Ipswich Town secures Premier League comeback after 22-year wait with last-day win over Huddersfield in Championship

Ipswich Town has achieved Premier League status after a 22-year hiatus, following a decisive 2-0 victory over the relegated Huddersfield Town on the final day of the Championship season. The triumph at Portman Road on Saturday ensured Ipswich’s leap from the Championship, as they only needed a draw to secure promotion but went a step further to win.

**Ipswich Town’s Premier Return**
Before the last match, Ipswich was at risk of missing out on automatic promotion due to their inferior goal difference compared to Leeds United, who were just behind them in the standings. Yet, Ipswich played with determination and control, with Wes Burns breaking the deadlock at the 27th minute, dashing any remaining hopes Huddersfield had for survival in the league.

The advantage was extended shortly after halftime when Omari Hutchinson scored the second goal, making it 2-0. This solidified Ipswich’s dominant performance as Huddersfield showed little opposition. Meanwhile, Leeds United’s promotion hopes were dashed as they suffered a 2-1 defeat against Southampton, smoothing Ipswich’s path to promotion.

Ending the season on a high note, Ipswich collected 96 points over 46 games. This promotion was particularly surprising given that the team had just been promoted from the third tier last season. Much of the credit for this remarkable ascent through the ranks goes to manager Kieran McKenna, who has led the team since 2021 when Ipswich was in 11th place in League One. Now, Ipswich looks forward to competing with premier clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United next season.

**Relegation for Birmingham City**
Conversely, it was a day of disappointment for Birmingham City, which faced relegation to League One. Despite a 1-0 win against Norwich City, Birmingham’s fate was sealed as their rivals, Blackburn Rovers, Plymouth Argyle, and Sheffield Wednesday, also won their final matches. This left Birmingham with 50 points and confirmed their drop to the third tier, ending the season on a somber note amidst victories by other teams.