Ipswich have secured promotion back to the Premier League with victory against QPR at Portman Road.

First-half goals from George Hirst after three minutes and Jaden Philogene six minutes eased any early nerves before Kasey McAteer’s strike on 85 minutes clinched the three points that rendered irrelevant the efforts of Millwall and Middlesbrough, who finished third and fifth respectively, and were hoping to force their way into second place.

Kieran McKenna’s side entered the final day of the regular Championship season a point ahead of Millwall and two above Boro, knowing victory would guarantee the second automatic promotion place behind Coventry and an immediate return to the Premier League.

Ipswich were relegated from the top flight last season but McKenna’s side have returned to the big time at the first attempt After he arrived in 2021, Ipswich achieved consecutive promotions under McKenna in 2022-23 and 2023-24 before relegation last season, now making it four consecutive seasons at different levels of the domestic pyramid. In 2024, McKenna signed a four-year contract.