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The Blues celebrated their win and promotion back to the Premier League on Saturday [PA Media]
All eyes were on Portman Road on Saturday as Ipswich Town took to the pitch knowing a win against QPR would secure a return to the Premier League.
Two quick goals from George Hirst and Jaden Philogene helped settle nerves inside the stadium and set The Blues on their way to a 3-0 victory and second spot in the Championship.
Town were promoted to the Premier League in 2024 but were relegated after only one win in their final 19 matches.
Delighted Town fans told the BBC of their delight at being back - and their hopes for next season in the top flight.
'Amazing'
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Jack Richardson said "it feels amazing" to be promoted to the Premier League again [Aimee Dexter/BBC]
Jack Richardson, from Ipswich, was among nearly 30,000 fans at the game.
The 19-year-old said he had seen the team go through three promotions in four years, adding that this one "feels amazing".
"I was nervy coming into it and there was a chance we could bottle it, but as soon as I saw them two, three minutes in and we scored, it was gone," said Richardson.
"I went out last night, got home at 3am, up at 8am and got to the pub by 9am.
"Under this manager there is no limit... it is a brilliant feeling."
'What a birthday present'
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Lisa Fisher said Premier League victory was her top wish for her birthday [Aimee Dexter/BBC]
Birthday girl Lisa Fisher, from the Suffolk town, celebrated her 60th in style with the promotion triumph.
"What a birthday present. It was top of my list and I got it," she said.
"I have been going [to Portman Road] since 1975 and we have had good times and bad times, but it wouldn't be supporting Ipswich if we didn't.
"We won the FA Cup in '78 and had the best team there ever was in '81, and we had dips but now with Kieran, the good times are back.
"This is just the start."
'Fantastic result'
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Robin Collins said he has "always been a supporter" of The Blues [Aimee Dexter/BBC]
Robin Collins, from Ipswich, said the team played "absolutely brilliant" on Saturday.
"They did exactly what they needed to do - came out of the traps quickly, and got a brilliant result. McKenna is God for doing that again," the 45-year-old added.
Talking about the team preparing for the Premier League, he said "we will deal with that tomorrow".
"A lot of money needs to be spent, more than last time, bring [Liam] Delap back, bring [Omari] Hutchinson back and go big for the Premier League next season."
'So emotional'
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Joe, on the left, said he has been a lifelong fan of the club [Jack Maclean/BBC]
Joe, 30, from Ipswich, said it was a "perfect start" to the game after George Hirst scored a goal after only three minutes.
"This stadium is a Premier League ground and I so hope we stay up next year as we fully deserve it," he said.
"Us fans, we love them through the highs and the lows."
Ellie added: "It makes me feel so emotional, it makes me happy for everyone."
'Gelled this season'
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Trevor Loan remains a big supporter of Town after following them through highs and lows [Aimee Dexter/BBC]
Trevor Loan, from Ipswich, has been a supporter of the club for decades, following the Blues since the glory days of Sir Bobby Robson.
"They have gelled this season now, they started off a bit rough," said the 71-year-old.
"We have got to rebuild, we cannot keep this team, this team is not strong enough to last in the Premier League... they are too good."
The Premier League is expected to kick off on 22 August 2026, with the last match played on 30 May the following year.
Familiar face
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Singer Ed Sheeran joined the players on the pitch after The Blues secured promotion [Connor Bennett/BBC]
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- Ed Sheeran 'super happy' at Ipswich Town's success
- 'Out of this world' - Town fans react to promotion
- Championship: Ipswich beat QPR to win promotion; Hull clinch play-off spot
- Rapturous welcome for Ipswich Town at Portman Road
- Are Ipswich better equipped for Premier League this time?
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