Ipswich Town shocked the football world on Saturday afternoon by securing promotion to the Premier League, only a year after competing in League One.
Kieran McKenna, highly regarded by figures like Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during his tenure at Manchester United, now finds himself poised to face off against some of football’s brightest minds, including Pep Guardiola of Manchester City.
Despite the odds, Ipswich Town consistently exceeded expectations throughout the season, fending off challenges from clubs like Leeds United and Southampton, who benefited from substantial parachute payments after Premier League relegation. Their remarkable performance, finishing just one point behind title-winners Leicester City, is destined to become a celebrated chapter in the club’s history, marking their return to the Premier League after nearly two decades.
The last time Ipswich Town graced the Premier League stage was in 2002, coincidentally alongside Leicester City, before suffering relegation. Football finance expert Kieran Maguire estimates that the club generated £37 million in revenue during that season.
The last time Ipswich Town were in the Premier League the club generated £37m in revenue. In 2024/25 that figure is likely to be £150m #ITFC
— Kieran Maguire (@KieranMaguire) May 6, 2024
With the Premier League’s financial landscape experiencing significant growth since then, the club anticipates a substantial windfall of £150 million this time around, regardless of their performance in the top flight. Fans eagerly await the announcement of Premier League fixtures on June 18th, eager to discover which team will be the first to visit Portman Road.
From a broader perspective, McKenna’s impact extends beyond the pitch. Ipswich Town’s achievement of back-to-back promotions to the Premier League, a feat not accomplished since Southampton under Nigel Adkins in 2012, solidifies their place in football history.
Furthermore, the projected £150 million influx could potentially position the club for sustained success, even if McKenna were to depart in the near future, marking a transformative era for Ipswich Town both on and off the field.