Ipswich secured Premier League promotion on the Championship's final day, finishing second behind champions Coventry. Here's how the final promotion race and table unfolded.
Nathan Ridley
15:10, 02 May 2026Updated 15:18, 02 May 2026
George Hirst of Ipswich Town celebrates
George Hirst of Ipswich Town celebrates(Image: Paul Harding/Getty Images)
Ipswich have secured promotion back to the Premier League following a dramatic conclusion to the Championship season.
Having suffered relegation from the top flight just twelve months ago, Kieran McKenna's side wasted no time in bouncing straight back, clinching second place with a commanding 3-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers, and will take on the likes of Liverpool next season.
The Tractor Boys got the celebrations underway early at Portman Road, netting twice within the opening nine minutes. George Hirst broke the deadlock before Jaden Philogene swiftly doubled their advantage. Kasey McAteer then put the contest to bed, adding a third in the 85th minute. The result means McKenna has now guided Ipswich to three promotions in just four-and-a-half years.
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Millwall entered the final day as Ipswich's closest challengers, yet their 2-0 home triumph over Oxford United ultimately fell short.
Middlesbrough were also in contention for the final automatic promotion spot, but were pegged back to a 2-2 draw away at play-off-chasing Wrexham.
Ipswich join Coventry, who claim the Championship title after a remarkable 95-point campaign. Meanwhile, Millwall, Southampton, Middlesbrough and Hull City will contest the play-offs, with Millwall facing Hull and Southampton taking on Boro.
Wrexham and Derby County were left with heavy hearts, dwelling on their matchday 46 performances, as Hull seized the opportunity with a 2-1 triumph over Norwich. Saturday's action at the foot of the table lacked tension, with the drop already sealed the previous weekend.
Oli McBurnie of Hull City
Oli McBurnie of Hull City(Image: Freddie Yeo/MB Media/Getty Images)
Yet there was a glimmer of satisfaction for basement club Sheffield Wednesday, who alongside Oxford and Leicester will compete in League One next season.
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Wednesday secured just their second victory of the campaign and their maiden home win to conclude on zero points, having been docked 12 following their October administration.
The Owls edged past West Bromwich Albion 2-1 at an elated Hillsborough to commemorate their takeover, which was confirmed moments before kick-off. West Brom had nothing at stake, having secured their status with a match remaining.
Leicester also claimed an infrequent victory following consecutive relegations. Meanwhile, Roy Hodgson concluded his tenure as Bristol City boss with a 2-0 success against Stoke City, ensuring a top-half placing for the Robins.