Ipswich Town’s brief stay in the Premier League has come to an end after a 3-0 defeat against Newcastle United at St James’ Park confirmed their relegation to the Championship for the 2025/26 season.
Kieran McKenna’s side entered the match knowing only a victory, combined with a West Ham defeat at Brighton, would keep their slim hopes of survival alive. Although West Ham were beaten 2-1 on the south coast, Ipswich were unable to take advantage, reduced to ten men after Ben Johnson’s first-half red card and comfortably beaten by Newcastle.
The defeat leaves Ipswich 15 points adrift of safety with only 12 points left to play for. They become the third and final side confirmed to drop out of the Premier League this season, joining Southampton and Leicester City in falling to the second tier.
It is a bitter blow for Ipswich, who returned to the Premier League at the start of the 2024/25 campaign but found the step up in class too great. Despite spirited performances, they struggled throughout, winning only five of their 34 matches so far and posting a goal difference of -41.
Premier League Relegation Picture
- 17th West Ham United: 36 points, -19 GD
- 18th Ipswich Town: 21 points, -41 GD
- 19th Leicester City: 18 points, -49 GD
- 20th Southampton: 11 points, -55 GD
Ipswich’s relegation, like those of Leicester and Southampton, will be officially confirmed at this summer’s Premier League Annual General Meeting (AGM). The three clubs will return their share certificates and Premier League status will be transferred to the promoted sides.
How Promotion and Relegation work
In the Premier League, the teams finishing in 18th, 19th, and 20th place are relegated to the Championship, England’s second division. They are replaced by three teams from the Championship: the top two automatically, and the third via the end-of-season playoffs.
This season, Leeds United and Burnley have already sealed their return to the top flight. Leeds confirmed promotion after a commanding 6-0 victory over Stoke City, while Burnley secured their spot with a 2-1 win against promotion rivals Sheffield United.
Who Will Join Leeds and Burnley?
The third promotion place will be decided through the Championship playoffs. Currently, Sheffield United, Sunderland, Bristol City, and Coventry City occupy the playoff positions, although Millwall, Blackburn Rovers, and Middlesbrough still have an outside chance of snatching a spot during the final round of fixtures on Saturday 3 May.
Championship Playoff Picture
- 3rd Sheffield United: 89 points (one match remaining vs Blackburn)
- 4th Sunderland: 76 points (QPR at home)
- 5th Bristol City: 67 points (Leeds away, Preston home)
- 6th Coventry City: 66 points (Middlesbrough at home)
- 7th Millwall: 66 points (Burnley away)
- 8th Blackburn Rovers: 65 points (Sheffield United away)
- 9th Middlesbrough: 64 points (Coventry away)
The two-legged semi-finals will see third place face sixth, and fourth face fifth, with the winners meeting at Wembley on 24 May to decide the final promotion place.
Championship Playoff Dates
- Semi-finals
8 May: Sixth vs Third (First Leg) – 20:00 BST
9 May: Fifth vs Fourth (First Leg) – 20:00 BST
12 May: Third vs Sixth (Second Leg) – 20:00 BST
13 May: Fourth vs Fifth (Second Leg) – 20:00 BST - Final
24 May: Playoff Final (Wembley Stadium)
