Stuart Watson speaks to chairman Mark Ashton about the campaign
Ipswich Town’s first season back in the Premier League has not gone as planned, with the team finding themselves in a perilous position after 29 matches. Having accumulated only 17 points from those games, the club now looks set to make an immediate return to the Championship. While the defeat has been bitter, there is still hope for the future, and chairman Mark Ashton remains determined to see the club emerge from this difficult period.
In an exclusive interview, Ashton reflected on the challenges Ipswich has faced since securing promotion. “It’s been a steep learning curve for us,” Ashton admitted. “We knew it was going to be tough, but the reality of competing in the Premier League has been even harder than we anticipated. We’ve faced some of the best teams in the world, and while we’ve had flashes of brilliance, we’ve been too inconsistent overall.”
The club’s struggles have been evident in their performances, with only a handful of wins to their name and several heavy defeats. Much of the frustration has stemmed from the team’s inability to perform against the league’s top clubs, leaving them firmly rooted to the bottom of the table. However, Ashton is clear about the club’s vision moving forward. “We know where we need to improve, and we’ll be working tirelessly to ensure that we can bounce back stronger,” he said.
Despite the team’s disappointing season, there have been bright spots. The club’s younger players, such as their up-and-coming forward, have shown flashes of promise, giving fans a glimmer of optimism for the future. Ashton has also praised the work done by manager Kieran McKenna, who, despite the results, has managed to implement a clear style of play. “Kieran has been fantastic. He’s learned a lot this season, and we believe he’s the right man to lead the club moving forward.”
The Ipswich board is already preparing for next season, with plans in place to strengthen the squad. Ashton has vowed that the club will not just focus on returning to the Championship, but on building a sustainable future in the top flight once they are back. “We’ve been through tough times before, and we know what it takes to rebuild. This is a club with a rich history, and we’re committed to seeing it rise once more.”
While Ipswich Town’s immediate future in the Premier League looks uncertain, chairman Mark Ashton’s determination to stay true to the club’s values and vision for the future offers hope that better days are ahead, even if they must first navigate the challenges of relegation.
Be the first to comment