Ipswich back in EPL after 22-year absence; promotion playoffs set

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Ipswich Town are back in the Premier League for the first time since 2002.

The Tractor Boys sealed their long-awaited return to the top flight with a 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town on the final day of the Championship season. Kieran McKenna's team needed just a point to secure second place in the table and automatic promotion going into Saturday's match.

Goals from Wes Burns and Omari Hutchinson ensured Ipswich would collect all three points and join Leicester City in jumping directly to the Premier League for the 2024-25 campaign.

Ipswich, who were in the third tier of English football last season, have now earned consecutive promotions.

"It means a lot, mostly seeing how much it means to everyone, the players, the supporters. To be one of the leaders of that is absolutely massive," McKenna said. "It's a wonderful day, I'm very proud of everyone involved. It's what we've done all year. It's an incredible amount of effort."

The conclusion of the Championship season also confirmed the teams that will participate in the always riveting promotion playoffs, the four-team mini-tournament involving the sides that finish third through sixth in the table.

Leeds United and Southampton, looking to secure immediate returns to the Premier League after being relegated last year, finished third and fourth, respectively. They'll be joined by West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City in the battle for the final promotion place.

Playoff matchups

• Leeds (3) vs. Norwich (6)
• Southampton (4) vs. West Brom (5)

The playoff semifinals are two-legged affairs and begin May 12. The final will be played at Wembley Stadium on May 26.

A spot in the Premier League is worth around £200 million for the promoted sides, earning the playoff final its "richest game in football" moniker.