Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna insists his Blues return to the Championship in a much stronger position than they left it.
Town were officially relegated with a 3-0 defeat at Newcastle United on Saturday, confirming an immediate return to the second tier after their first Premier League season in 22 years.
READ MORE: The staggering number of games Town stars have missed with injuries
But, while fellow relegated sides Southampton and Leicester City return to the Championship in apparent turmoil, the Blues still have a united club, a feeling of momentum around them and stability at the top through McKenna.
And, with Leeds United and Burnley already promoted, and Sheffield United good bets to join them through the play-offs, Town will likely start the 2025/26 Championship campaign as favourites to go straight back up.
"But I think in almost every aspect - work at the training ground, work at the stadium, staff infrastructure, people infrastructure, the squad strength, development of players - we're much stronger than we were a couple of years ago.
"There's no guarantees we continue that progression, but if we continue to work hard, do the right things and make the right decisions then we've got a chance to push on again."
READ MORE: 'Don't play like that... it's not the way' - Merson criticises Town
That sentiment was echoed by Town skipper Sam Morsy.
"We had a goal and we didn’t achieve it. It’s one we have to own individually, own as a group and come back stronger.
"These periods in players’ careers, they can define them. Players can go either way.
“We have to make sure we’re a really strong group and plenty of us go the right way.
“It’s life, it’s football. Not every season is going to be your season. It’s about how you react to it, your motivation and your commitment. That’s going to define you."
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