The Ipswich manager has praised his side for putting in hard work, but admits that the Premier League was too tough for them
Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has described the Premier League as a challenge that was “just too big” for the club this season, after a 3-0 defeat at St James’ Park confirmed the club’s relegation.
McKenna lead Ipswich through back to back promotions, from League One to the Championship and then to the Premier League last spring. However, that juggernaut has now been halted in a Premier League season that showed just how much gulf in class there was between the top-flight and other divisions. This season’s three promoted teams made history for having their relegation confirmed at the earliest point in the season, with four matches still left to play.
“The challenge was just too big for us this season,” said McKenna. “Of course there’s things we would do differently now but it was a pretty big jump for us.
“The players have given everything and we’ve given it our best shot yet we’ve fallen short. Now we’ve got to stick together, keep doing the right things and use this as a springboard.”
Although the loss to Newcastle provided mathematical confirmation, Ipswich had known for weeks that they would be going down, with as much as 15 points separating them from West Ham in 17th place.
“We’ve been through it the last few weeks,” said McKenna. “We knew it was pretty likely, and we had conversations inside to focus on each game as they come.
“We know there’s a time for reflection. Today, the mathematical completion doesn’t change too much, we’ve been through the emotions.”
Speaking about the supporters, he added: “[The supporters have] been fantastic, been on the journey with us. It’s been an incredible journey from the middle of League One to competing in the Premier League in an unprecedented way.
“They have seen the group has given everything and competed in so many games. At the end, we have fallen short, but it’s not for lack of effort. They have been fantastic and we really appreciate the support.”
