Ipswich will play in the Premier League for the first time since 2002 after sealing a dream promotion on the final day of the Championship campaign. Kieran McKenna’s side beat some far richer clubs to secure a place in the top-flight alongside Leicester.
Express Sport rounds up the Championship final day.
Ipswich win promotion
McKenna’s Ipswich went up in style. The Tractor Boys merely needed to avoid a defeat against relegation-threatened Huddersfield to seal promotion to the Premier League, but managed a dominant performance that sent their visitors down to League One.
There was little evidence of nerves at Portman Road as Ipswich secured a comfortable 2-0 triumph. Wes Burns and Chelsea loanee Omari Hutchinson scored either side of half-time to confirm a remarkable success for McKenna’s team.
Ipswich were largely expected to perform well in the Championship having earned plaudits for their eye-catching style in League One last season. But earning automatic promotion has exceeded all expectations.
A battle for second place with Leeds was finally won on the final day. Last time Ipswich were promoted from the Championship, they qualified for the UEFA Cup – now the Europa League – in their first season. Who can deny their fans dreaming of a similar campaign next year?
Leeds stutter against Southampton
Leeds’ dip in form has come at the worst time and Southampton may now have all the momentum heading into the play-offs. The Whites faltered in their quest for automatic promotion and were relying not only on beating the Saints on the final day, but also on Ipswich losing against Huddersfield.
In the end, neither outcome materialised. Leeds suffered a 2-1 defeat against Southampton, while Ipswich cruised beyond Huddersfield. It sets up an enticing play-off schedule, with Leeds boss Daniel Farke returning to former club Norwich. Southampton will face West Brom.
Birmingham and Huddersfield relegated
Five teams went into the final day of the Championship season fearing relegation. The picture changed drastically throughout the day, with Birmingham and Blackburn both earning shock wins.
The Blues defeated play-off-bound Norwich while Blackburn went to champions Leicester and won 1-0 thanks to star man Sammie Szmodics, who ended the season with 31 goals.
Birmingham’s win was not enough, though. It was a drastic downfall for a club who languished in the play-off places when they controversially replaced John Eustace with Wayne Rooney in October. Rooney lasted just 15 games at Birmingham, who boast NFL icon Tom Brady as a minority owner.
Leicester fail to reach 100 points
Leicester went into the final day in search of a century of points. But they failed to secure them after a shock 1-0 defeat against Blackburn.
The Foxes, coached by Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo Maresca, enjoyed a sensational campaign and unlike Leeds and Leicester, secured automatic promotion at the first time of asking.
A failure to reach 100 points won’t prompt any lost sleep. The points record remains the 106 Reading registered in 2005-06.
