Ipswich Town secured an immediate return to the Premier League after defeating Queens Park Rangers to clinch the Championship’s second automatic promotion spot on the final day of the season.
The team which was relegated 12 months ago after winning just four matches in their first top-flight campaign in 22 years, bounced back at the first attempt. Knowing victory at Portman Road would guarantee promotion regardless of results involving rivals Millwall or Middlesbrough, Ipswich made a fast start.
Goals from George Hirst and Jaden Philogene inside the opening nine minutes put the hosts in control, before substitute Kasey McAteer added a late third to seal the win.
The result marks a third promotion in four seasons under Manager Kieran McKenna, capping a remarkable period for the Suffolk club.
Ipswich struck early when Leif Davis surged forward and delivered a cross that Hirst converted from close range. Hirst then turned provider, setting up Philogene to double the lead with a composed finish past goalkeeper Joe Walsh. From there, Ipswich maintained control, rarely threatened by a QPR side that ended the campaign in poor form.
The visitors finished 15th after a fourth consecutive defeat and a six-game winless run. McKenna introduced several attacking options in the second half, including McAteer, Jack Clarke, Dan Neil and Anis Mehmeti, highlighting the depth in his squad. The third goal came after pressure from substitutes Mehmeti and Ivan Azon created an opening, allowing McAteer to score and spark celebrations among the home supporters. Ipswich’s promotion completes a swift return to the top flight and underlines their resurgence under McKenna’s leadership. The team’s win ruined Millwall’s hopes of promotion back to the top flight for the first time since 1990. Milwall had defeated Oxford 2-0 to secure third place and will meet Hull for the first leg of their play-off semi-final on Friday.
Wrexham were denied the shot at a fourth consecutive promotion under the ownership of Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney side were held 2-2 at home by Middlesbrough, allowing Hull to leapfrog them into sixth thanks to a 2-1 win over Norwich.
Southampton are also favourites to bounce straight back to the top tier in the play-offs after a 19-game unbeaten league run.
A 3-1 win over Preston lifted the Saints up to fourth and secured home advantage for the second leg of their play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough.
Derby’s hopes of climbing into the top six were dashed by a 2-1 home defeat to Sheffield United.
Sheffield Wednesday’s relegation to the third tier was confirmed way back in February, but there was double cause for celebration for the Owls on the final day.
They beat West Brom 2-1 to win for the first time since September and end the season on zero points after an 18-point deduction.
Champions Coventry ended the season on 95 points after thrashing Watford 4-0.