Chris Sutton slams Ipswich Town despite their promotion to the Premier League

Ipswich Town secured promotion from the EFL Championship to the Premier League for the second time in three seasons on Saturday, but that hasn’t stopped Norwich City icon Chris Sutton from taking a swipe at the Tractor Boys.

Kieran McKenna’s side sealed automatic promotion with a convincing 3-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers at Portman Road, finishing alongside champions Coventry City.

They edged promotion by a single point ahead of Millwall, who head into the play-offs in strong form after defeating Oxford United.

Goals from George Hirst, Jaden Philogene-Bidace, and Kasey McAteer sealed the win and sparked promotion celebrations for the home side.

Despite the achievement, Sutton was quick to deliver a blunt verdict on Ipswich’s top-flight return. Writing on social media, he said: “Fair play to Ipswich and Kieran McKenna — they’ll probably have a thoroughly miserable time next season.”

McKenna, who guided Ipswich to an unexpected promotion shortly after their return from League One, was under pressure to deliver again this season—and has done so. The focus now shifts to ensuring the club performs far better in the Premier League than during their last stint, which ended in relegation after just four wins in 38 matches.

Ipswich’s struggles in their previous top-flight campaign were partly attributed to recruitment issues. Aside from Liam Delap, who managed 12 league goals, many of their signings failed to adapt to the demands of Premier League football.

With another opportunity ahead, McKenna will be tasked with strengthening the squad to avoid a repeat of that disappointing campaign—while Sutton’s comments add extra edge to their return.