- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,128,748
- Reaction score
- 59
You must be registered for see images attach
Thousands of Ipswich fans lined the parade route [PA Media]
Thousands of football fans lined the streets to celebrate Ipswich Town's promotion back to the Premier League.
The Tractor Boys, relegated from the top flight last season, sealed an immediate return by beating QPR on Saturday to finish as runners-up in the Championship.
An open-top bus parade from the club's Portman Road led to Christchurch Park, where a special celebratory event was held.
Addressing a sea of blue-shirted supporters, Town chairman Mark Ashton said: "I can't believe how passionate this town, this county, this fanbase is for its football club - it's such a special club."
He said: "I'm very, very humbled by the turnout by this incredible fanbase today. When we joined in 2021, never did I dream of three promotions in four years - my god, we feel like we've built a monster, and we've still got more to do."
Manager Kieran McKenna and some of the Ipswich players also addressed the crowd.
Defensive midfielder Azor Matusiwa, who was named player of the season by supporters, said: "It's a very nice feeling - it's amazing! My first year playing in England, and we've done a great job."
Striker Jack Clarke, who scored 16 goals this season, added: "Getting back to the Premier League is everything. It's what we set out to do at the start of the season. We've done the job."
Captain Dara O'Shea said: "I'm immensely proud. It's probably one of the proudest moments of my career. It's unbelievable - we get to share this moment with the fans, we get to share this moment with our families.
"It's hard to put into words how amazing this is. You look out there, and you see all the people, it's magic.
You must be registered for see images attach
There were scenes of jubilation in Christchurch Park, where the parade concluded [PA Media]
Monday's event was organised by the club in conjunction with Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk Police.
Supporters lined the length of the route to cheer on the team as they made their way through the town from Sir Alf Ramsey Way to Westerfield Road before entering the park.
In many ways, it was a repeat of the scene just two years earlier when Town last celebrated promotion - but fans said this time felt different.
You must be registered for see images attach
Kelsie is hopeful that Town can establish themselves as a top flight club [Alice Cunningham/BBC]
Kelsie Button, 19, from Ipswich, said: "The atmosphere just feels different [this time]. I think the first time, a lot of people had said, Town can't do it.
"Obviously, we'd had back-to-back promotions. A lot of people had said, we're moving too fast and stuff.
"But I think, obviously, we went back down, but I think we built our way up to quite a solid team. I think next season we'll be alright. I think we might stick in there for a little bit longer than the time."
You must be registered for see images attach
Daniel was among thousands celebrating at Christchurch Park [Alice Cunningham/BBC]
Daniel Hatcher, 19, said: "It was a very good weekend. Today was a great way to cap it off, and it's a great achievement being back in the Premier League.
"It's my first parade, it's a nice family day out."
You must be registered for see images attach
Rose Jones attended along with her daughter - she's hopeful that boss Kieran McKenna will still be in charge next season [Alice Cunningham/BBC]
Rose Jones, 37, from Ipswich, attended the celebrations with her daughter.
"I just hope we can stay up," she said. "I hope we can keep McKenna. "If we hadn't gone up, we'd be losing him, I'm sure."
"It [today] is amazing for the town. There's such a better feel in the community. Everyone's happy."
As the celebrations subside, supporters will turn their attention to next season.
The Premier League is set to announce its 2026-27 fixtures on 19 June, with the new campaign itself getting under way on 22 August.
Do you have a story suggestion for Suffolk? Contact us below.
Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Related to this story
Related internet links
You must be registered for see images
Continue reading...
