´It´s been an incredible journey´ – McKenna salutes Ipswich ers after relegation confirmed

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna savoured “an incredible journey” after the club’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed.

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna savoured “an incredible journey” after the club’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed.

The Tractor Boys’ fate was sealed with four matches remaining, following a 3-0 defeat to Champions League-chasing Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

It marks the second successive Premier League season in which all three promoted teams have been immediately relegated. Previously, it had only occurred once in 1997-98.

And McKenna paid tribute to Ipswich’s ers, who he and the team emotionally applauded after the final whistle.

“We’ve been through it the last few weeks,” he told BBC Match of the Day. “We knew it was pretty likely, and we had conversations inside to focus on each game as they come.

“We know there’s a time for reflection. Today, the mathematical completion doesn’t change too much – we’ve been through the emotions.”

“[The ers have] been fantastic, been on the journey with us. It’s been an incredible journey from the middle of League One to competing in the Premier League in an unprecedented way.

“They have seen the group has given everything and competed in so many games. At the end, we have fallen short, but it’s not for lack of effort. They have been fantastic and we really appreciate the .”

Following back-to-back promotions to the top tier of English football, today’s result confirms our relegation from the Premier League.

We’ve fought all season with you always behind us, Town fans.pic.twitter.com/s3fplt9vNR

— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) April 26, 2025

The visitors had to play over half the match with 10 men after Ben Johnson was dismissed for two yellow cards in the space of seven minutes.

That took Ipswich’s tally for the season to five – the t-most in the Premier League alongside Arsenal – though McKenna felt Johnson’s first yellow card for simulation was harsh.

“We managed the game really well, we were solid, we were frustrating the opponents,” he added. “The game was right where we wanted it to be.

“We were frustrated with the first yellow card, and it changes the game – 11 against 10 with the crowd they have here is almost an impossible task.

“Ben’s running at the last man, Dan Burn sticks his leg and knee out and there’s probably minimal . I don’t think Ben has taken a dive in his life.

“[Red cards] have been [costly]. I think we had one in my two-and-half years before this season. To have five this season is a reflection of a lot of things.”

Defender Luke Woolfenden conceded Ipswich were punished for being off the pace “too many times” this season.

However, he insisted there is a “pride and determination” among the players to ensure they immediately return to the top flight.

“Obviously disappointed, but within the group and , there is a sense of pride over where we have come from,” Woolfenden told Premier League Productions. “We’ve not been at it this season. I think brain-wise, we have probably let ourselves down one too many times.

“Disappointed and gutted the dream is over, but I think there is a pride and determination that we want to be back here in 14 months.”

“We went over to the away end at the end, and it’s full, [the fans have] been brilliant. We want to come back here and give a better of ourselves in 14 months, and go toe-to-toe with Newcastle.”