Compared with their promotion in 2024, Ipswich return to the Premier League stronger in some ways, but weaker in others.
Pound-for-pound, the Tractor Boys should be a closer match for this level. They've got a stronger squad on paper, as well as the banked revenue that increases their spending capacity. However, in terms of cohesion and synergy, Ipswich are less of a sure bet.
Town come up off the back of a lower base performance level in the Championship than they did two years ago, with fewer established partnerships across the park. Most importantly, they no longer have one of the most exciting young British managers around, in Kieran McKenna.
Ipswich return to the Premier League as quickly as they fell from it; this time, can they survive the drop?
The 40-year-old is taking a break from football to spend time with his family, and leaves a legacy that puts him just one rung below Sirs Alf Ramsey and Bobby Robson in the pantheon of great Ipswich managers.
Gary O'Neil comes in fresh from a decent short-term job at Strasbourg, having previously delivered Premier League survival with Bournemouth and Wolves.
Much of Ipswich's rise has been attributed to McKenna's work, with the improved structure at the club given secondary praise. Is that structure strong enough to ensure this bright era can outlast a great manager?
Can 2026-27 be a continuation of a pre-existing era, rather than the start of a new one? We're about to find out.
The Coach
A promotion winner as a player with rivals Norwich in 2015, Gary O'Neil follows Marcelino Nunez in switching farms. He has shown much promise in his coaching career to date, but hopes Portman Road might be the first place at which he can build something of substance.
Key Player
Dara O'Shea was ever-present and instrumental in Ipswich's reliability in 2025-26. A smart defender, he grew as a leader and, at 27, will be desperate to put Premier League survival on his CV following relegation with three different clubs. Fourth time's the charm, Dara…
Last Season's Results
CHAMPIONSHIP: 2nd
FA CUP: Fourth Round
LEAGUE CUP: First Round
Top Scorer
Jack Clarke bagged 16 in all competitions for his side last season, but will that translate into Premier League goalscoring proficiency?
Lessons From Last Year
Systems are more important than individuals. Ipswich had supremely gifted footballers, but collectively didn't play quite as well as they did with a squad built in League One.
Take Sindre Walle Egeli. Though he outscored Erling Haaland at youth level in Norway, he is yet to shine since Ipswich bought him at 19 for a Championship-record fee.
Because Jaden Philogene or Jack Clarke claim the creative freedom on the left, the right-sider must offer positional discipline and industry. Kasey McAteer and Wes Burns fit the bill better than Egeli.
The individualism of Philogene or Clarke also meant the No.10 had to drop into midfield. Marcelino Nunez does that brilliantly.
And so, Town's vast array of second strikers couldn't show their own qualities. O'Neil must decide who gets free rein, and who is providing balance.
Most Likely To...
Get Ed Sheeran singing The A Team in the dressing room if they survive.
Least Likely To...
Get Ed Sheeran singing Bad Habits in the dressing room if they don't.
View From The Stands
Words by: PHILIP HAM @twtduk
Last season was slow at first, with some ups and downs to follow, but ultimately fantastic.
This season will be different because Town should be better set up for survival now, with new infrastructure, additions to the recruitment team and a squad that's more attuned to this level.
Our key player will be Azor Matusiwa, our midfield linchpin.
The active player I'd love to have back is Tyrone Mings, to bring experience to the squad.
The best thing about matchdays at our ground is the fanzone on the practice pitch behind the West Stand – a great place for fans to warm up before the game.
The one change I'd make at our club would be a new Cobbold Stand, as the current structure is over 50 years old. That's the next big project.
The ground I'm least looking forward to visiting is St James' Park. Newcastle is a long way from Ipswich and we've not won there since 1984.
A social media account to follow is Call Me Ted (@callmeteditfc), who commissioned posters for all of our Premier League games the last time we were here, and continue to produce interesting football-based art.
The fans' opinion of the gaffer is underwhelmed. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was the fans' preferred option. While following McKenna is an almost impossible job, O'Neil needs a good start to allay concerns.
We'll finish... who knows? We'd be happy with 17th.
Fixtures
AUGUST
22 Sunderland (H)
29 Man United (A)
SEPTEMBER
5 Liverpool (H)
12 Crystal Palace (A)
19 Everton (A)
OCTOBER
10 Fulham (H)
17 Man City (A)
24 Nott'm Forest (H)
31 Hull City (A)
NOVEMBER
7 Bournemouth (H)
21 Tottenham (A)
28 Aston Villa (H)
DECEMBER
2 Coventry (A)
5 Leeds (A)
12 Newcastle (H)
19 Brighton (A)
26 Brentford (H)
30 Chelsea (H)
JANUARY
2 Arsenal (A)
6 Coventry (H)
16 Bournemouth (A)
23 Hull City (H)
30 Aston Villa (A)
FEBRUARY
6 Tottenham (H)
10 Arsenal (H)
20 Chelsea (A)
27 Brighton (H)
MARCH
3 Brentford (A)
13 Liverpool (A)
20 Crystal Palace (H)
APRIL
10 Sunderland (A)
17 Man United (H)
24 Newcastle (A)
MAY
1 Leeds (H)
8 Fulham (A)
15 Man City (H)
23 Nott'm Forest (A)
30 Everton (H)
Title Odds
Ipswich Town to win the Premier League title odds: 500/1
FFT Verdict
FourFourTwo verdict: Ipswich Town to finish 19th.
O'Neil could be an upgrade, but it's a big gear change from McKenna's quiet consistency to his outspoken interviews and streaky teams. The big question is if Town's very solid second-tier defence can step up.
This feature was written in June as part of FourFourTwo magazine's legendary Season Preview issue which can be ordered here.
