Ipswich Town secured their return to the Premier League at the first attempt, defeating Queens Park Rangers 3-0 on the final day of the regular Championship season to claim the second automatic promotion spot. Coventry City had already secured the title, leaving Ipswich to battle for runners-up.
Match Decisive Early Goals
Goals from George Hirst and Jaden Philogene in the early stages settled any nerves at Portman Road, with Kasey McAteer adding a third late on to seal the victory. The win ensured Ipswich finished second, two points ahead of Millwall, who beat Oxford United 2-0 to take third place.
Wrexham's Fairytale Halted
Wrexham's remarkable rise through the divisions was halted as a 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough cost them a playoff spot. Hull City capitalised, winning 2-1 against Norwich City to leapfrog Wrexham into sixth place. Hull will face Millwall in the playoff semi-finals, while Middlesbrough take on Southampton.
Derby County also had a chance to snatch the final playoff place but lost 2-1 at home to Sheffield United despite taking the lead.
Celebrations at Portman Road
Hundreds of Ipswich fans streamed onto the pitch at the final whistle, with blue and white fireworks lighting up the sky. Manager Kieran McKenna expressed his pride, calling it the hardest of their three promotions in four years. He emphasised the effort required to rebuild the team after a steep fall from the Premier League last season.
Frank Lampard's Coventry City finished with 95 points after a 4-0 win at Watford, securing the title in style.
