Ipswich Town’s return to the Premier League came to a heartbreaking end on Saturday as a 3-0 loss to Newcastle United confirmed their relegation to the Championship with four games remaining in the 2024-25 season. The Tractor Boys, who achieved back-to-back promotions to reach the top flight after a 22-year absence, join Southampton and Leicester City as the third team relegated this season, marking the second consecutive year that all three promoted sides have been demoted.
The match at St. James’ Park was a microcosm of Ipswich’s challenging campaign. Despite a spirited start, their hopes were dealt a severe blow when defender Ben Johnson was sent off in the 37th minute for a second bookable offense, leaving the visitors with 10 men. Newcastle capitalized, with Alexander Isak converting a penalty in first-half stoppage time—his 22nd Premier League goal of the season. Second-half headers from Dan Burn and substitute William Osula sealed a comfortable victory for the Magpies, who climbed to third in the table, bolstering their Champions League aspirations.
Ipswich needed a win and a West Ham loss to Brighton to keep their slim survival hopes alive, but neither materialized. With 21 points, they sit 15 points behind 17th-placed West Ham, making the gap insurmountable with only 12 points left to play for. Manager Kieran McKenna, who has been lauded for guiding Ipswich from League One to the Premier League, acknowledged the inevitability of relegation after the match. “We knew the games have run out, and we’ve been through those emotions,” McKenna told Sky Sports. “We would have liked a different outcome today, but we’ll reflect and move forward.”
The defeat highlighted Ipswich’s struggles throughout the season. The team dropped a league-high 27 points from winning positions and received five red cards, tied for the most in the Premier League. Key losses, including a home defeat to Southampton in February and a critical blow against relegation rivals Wolves earlier this month, all but sealed their fate. Despite a promising moment in December with a 2-0 win over Chelsea, Ipswich managed only four league victories, with just one at home, and conceded over 70 goals.
Fans at St. James’ Park showed their unwavering support, filling the away end despite the result. Defender Luke Woolfenden expressed pride in the club’s journey, saying, “There’s disappointment, but also a sense of pride for where we’ve come from. We’ve not been at it enough this season, and we’ve let ourselves down one too many times.”
The club’s rapid rise under McKenna, backed by American ownership and significant investment, had fueled optimism, but the Premier League’s intensity proved too much. Injuries to key players like Chiedozie Ogbene and Wes Burns, combined with the inexperience of young signings like Jack Clarke and Jaden Philogene, left Ipswich vulnerable. Star striker Liam Delap, who scored 12 goals, is likely to attract interest from bigger clubs, with a reported £30m release clause upon relegation.
Newcastle, meanwhile, celebrated the return of manager Eddie Howe, who had missed three games due to pneumonia. Howe praised his team’s dominance, noting, “We grafted for the win, and the goals gave our goal difference a boost.” The Magpies’ attacking prowess was on display, with Isak, Bruno Guimarães, and Sandro Tonali all threatening before the scoreline reflected their control.
Ipswich now face the task of rebuilding in the Championship. McKenna, whose stock remains high despite the relegation, is expected to stay, with the club’s ownership committed to a long-term vision. “We’ve fought all season with you always behind us, Town fans,” the club posted on X, reflecting on their remarkable journey and the support that carried them.