Carlton Palmer feels Ipswich Town will remain a Championship promotion contender this season.
The Tractor Boys have made an excellent start to life in the second tier after being promoted from League One last season, and they currently sit second in the table after collecting 25 points from their first ten league games.
Kieran McKenna’s side moved five points clear of third-placed Preston North End with a 3-0 win over Hull City at Portman Road on Tuesday night, with Wes Burns, Conor Chaplin, and Marcus Harness scoring.
Ipswich Town welcome Ryan Lowe’s North End on Saturday, with the opportunity to increase their advantage.
McKenna praised his team’s start to the season.
However, he insists that his teammates remain focused.
“We’ve had 12-18 months in terms of breaking records and stuff like that, but I’ve always said they’re things to look back on in the future,” McKenna stated to the East Anglian Daily Times.
“Tonight was a good night, I’m not going to shy away from the fact that it’s a night we should enjoy as a group of staff, players, a football club, supporters, everyone together.”But it’s only one game. We have Preston on Saturday, and winning tonight will not give us six points from the two games.
“Of course, there are longitudinal positives we can take, but there is also room for improvement.”
“We’re only concerned with the next game.” I believe the moment for reminiscing about those events is likely to be far in the future.”
What did Carlton Palmer have to say?
Palmer confirmed exclusively to Football League World that he does not see Ipswich’s form deteriorating over the course of the season and believes they will finish in the play-offs.
“Ipswich Town have had a fantastic start to life in the Championship, five wins in their last six games sees them sitting second in the league, two points behind leaders Leicester, and nine points clear of sixth-placed Leeds United, who occupy the final play-off places,” Palmer stated.
Only ten games have passed, yet it provides a solid benchmark for a team and a manager.
“Eight games won, I really don’t see them dropping off the pace, I think they will invest again in January and kick on.”It’s too early to call automatic, but they’re on track for at least a play-off spot.”
Will Ipswich Town be promoted to the Premier League this season?
Palmer’s prediction that Ipswich will be a Championship promotion contender is difficult to argue with.
The Tractor Boys were in unstoppable form at the close of last season, and that has continued into this season as they have easily transitioned to the second tier.
Their achievement is even more impressive given that McKenna has mostly stuck with the same players that helped them gain promotion last season, highlighting the 37-year-old’s coaching abilities and solidifying his status as one of the EFL’s brightest young managers.
With outstanding defensive solidity, a powerful offensive threat, and a winning mindset in the group, Ipswich will be extremely difficult to stop this season.
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