Saturday, May 4 – the day the world witnessed Ipswich Town celebrate promotion to the Premier League for the first time in 22 years. It is a moment in time that will be etched into the memory of every Ipswich supporter for the rest of their lives.
There was a party-like atmosphere at Portman Road all afternoon, starting with an overwhelming display of blue flares and smoke bombs, and ending with a crazy pitch invasion upon the sounding of the full-time whistle.
Ipswich return to the Premier League after 22-year absence
Contents
Incredible scenes before the game
Town fans are in party mode today 🔵🥳️#itfc pic.twitter.com/SA7wgw1cMe
— FanHub (@FanHub) May 4, 2024
The Tractor Boys had not yet secured promotion ahead of kick-off, needing at minimum a draw to confirm their return to the Premier League. But, that didn't stop fans from creating a party-like atmosphere outside Portman Road and giving the players an overwhelming amount of support.
In the hours leading up to kick-off, the streets surrounding the stadium were filled with clouds of Blue smoke, Ipswich-themed flags and chants from the conveyor belt of supporters arriving at the ground.
It was almost as if the Ipswich fans knew their side wouldn't let them down, and in the end, they were proved right as their side emerged victorious against Huddersfield.
Ipswich Town celebrate promotion to the Premier League
The moment Ipswich Town cemented their place back in the Premier League next season 🙌🎉pic.twitter.com/OqHnr3MJmL
— FanHub (@FanHub) May 4, 2024
Then, as if the earlier scenes weren't already crazy enough, the full-time whistle at Portman Road was then followed by an almighty pitch invasion as hundreds of Ipswich fans were unable to contain their excitement.
And who can blame them? The Tractor Boys confirmed their Premier League status after a long 22-year wait – if there was ever a moment to invade a pitch, it was today.
A defeat for Leeds United ultimately meant that even if Ipswich had lost, their promotion would have been secured but the victory is an excellent way to top off what has been a sensational season for Kieran McKenna's side.
46 games played, 28 wins, 92 goals scored and a whopping 96 points accrued, they truly have been remarkable this term. Oh, and did we mention that the Tractor Boys were only promoted to the Championship last season?
Back-to-back promotions in this manner are incredibly difficult to achieve, and the entire club, its staff and the players deserve a huge amount of credit for doing so.