For the fifth consecutive campaign, Ipswich Town are about to enter a new division as they embark on another tilt at the Premier League.
The Tractor Boys clinched an immediate promotion back to the top flight thanks to a final day 3-0 win over QPR that saw them just pip Millwall to the second automatic spot in the Championship.
It marked a second elevation out of the second tier for boss Kieran McKenna – and a third promotion in total – but then came the shock departure over the summer of the Northern Irishman. McKenna said of his decision: “I feel this is the right time for me to step aside. I do so with great pride at the incredible progress we have made and with huge hope and optimism for the future of the club.
“After giving so much to the role over the previous five seasons, I now look forward to taking a break from management and dedicating some time to my family, who have been with me every step of my career so far.”
Ipswich named Gary O’Neil as McKenna’s replacement less than two weeks later, with the 43-year-old embarking on the fourth managerial role of his career after spells at Bournemouth, Wolves and Strasbourg.
O’Neil, understandably, was not a universally popular choice among the Ipswich fanbase thanks to a two-year stint at their bitter rivals Norwich City earlier in his playing career. But good results can quickly see to that and judging by the comments of Ipswich chief executive and chairman Mark Ashton, O’Neil is already making a good impression: “We have still got work to do, but I certainly think he is fitting in well. His work-ethic, his morale and the way he interacts with people is first class.”
Ipswich get the season underway on home soil with a visit from Sunderland, and the Black Cats are certainly a team who can be inspiration for O’Neil’s troops.
The Black Cats won promotion back to the top flight in 2025 and went on to enjoy a magnificent campaign last time out. They finished in 7th spot – enough to clinch an unlikely Europa League place for this season.
The job done by manager Regis Le Bris cannot be underestimated and the Frenchman has been rightly lauded after not only leading them into Europe but also masterminding a league double over arch rivals Newcastle United. In terms of recruitment, this summer can firmly be described as underwhelming, at least so far. Their sole addition heading into the new season is veteran Belgian full-back Thomas Meunier although it is expected Sunderland will add further additions before the window shuts on September 1.
For Ipswich, they have spent heavily with Abdul Fatawu and Julio Enciso among the notable recruits as they look to buck their own trend in recent years and become a firm fixture in the top flight rather than a passing visitor.
