Ipswich Town secured an immediate return to the Premier League after clinching the Championship title on the final weekend of the season. The Tractor Boys recorded a 3‑0 victory over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, confirming their status as the second automatic promotion side alongside Coventry City.
The promotion race concluded with Ipswich finishing five points clear of the runners‑up, having demonstrated consistency throughout the campaign. Coventry, who secured third place, also earned automatic promotion, leaving the remaining play‑off positions to be contested by four clubs.
The Championship play‑offs will determine the third team to ascend to the top flight. The semi‑final match‑ups are set as follows:
– Hull City versus Millwall – first leg on Friday, 8 May, 20:00 GMT; second leg on Monday, 11 May, 20:00 GMT.
– Middlesbrough versus Southampton – first leg on Saturday, 9 May, 12:30 GMT; second leg on Tuesday, 12 May, 20:00 GMT.
The winners of the two ties will meet in the play‑off final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, 23 May, with the victor earning promotion to the Premier League.
Ipswich’s swift bounce‑back follows their relegation last season and underscores the club’s rapid restructuring under manager Kieran McKenna. Their decisive performance against QPR not only sealed the title but also highlighted the attacking depth that propelled them throughout the season.
Coventry’s promotion marks the club’s return to the Premier League after a 58‑year absence, while the play‑off contenders will now focus on securing the final promotion spot. The upcoming fixtures are expected to attract significant viewership, given the high stakes involved.
The outcomes of the play‑offs will complete the Championship’s promotion schedule, finalising the composition of the Premier League for the 2026‑27 campaign.
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