adminIpswich Town Tipped for Championship Promotion Push by Podcast Pundit
Ali Maxwell, co-host of the popular Not The Top 20 podcast, believes Ipswich Town are well-positioned to challenge for promotion in the upcoming Championship season.
Following their relegation from the Premier League, the Blues are back in the second tier, but early odds have them tipped as favourites for the title—ahead of promotion contenders like Southampton, Sheffield United, and Birmingham City.
While comparisons have been drawn with Luton Town’s dramatic drop to League One just a year after reaching the Premier League, Maxwell sees key differences in Ipswich’s setup that give them a better chance of success.
> READ MORE: Button won’t be Town’s marquee signing—but he brings valuable experience to Portman Road
Speaking to the East Anglian Daily Times and Ipswich Star, Maxwell said:
> “The first thing for me is that I still can’t quite believe Kieran McKenna is still in charge. From a neutral point of view, I’m thrilled. I really admire everything about him as a manager. I loved watching Ipswich during their previous Championship season.”
He’s particularly curious to see how McKenna evolves, and how Ipswich adapt to their new status as one of the division’s top sides.
> “It’s a different challenge now. The underdog narrative is gone. You’re no longer the ‘fairytale’ team going up against the likes of Leicester, Leeds, and Southampton. Now, Ipswich are one of the big fish. You’re there to be shot at, and that brings its own pressures.”
Maxwell is optimistic, though, that both McKenna and his squad are ready to handle that shift. While transfer business has been minimal so far—veteran keeper David Button is the only arrival—he doesn’t view that as a red flag.
> “We cover every transfer in detail on NTT20.com, and I’ve always been vocal that doing early business isn’t necessarily a marker of success. Often, it means a team is plugging gaps after key departures. In Ipswich’s case, there’s no urgency because the core squad is already strong.”
He noted that many of the teams in the division, including those relegated alongside Ipswich, are undergoing big changes—with new managers, new systems, and fresh uncertainty.
> “Ipswich have the advantage of continuity. The manager, the style, the core players—it’s all in place. That sets them apart. Last year, I felt similarly about Luton, thinking their calm approach would pay off—but it didn’t. That just shows how unpredictable the Championship can be.”
> READ MORE: Six key fixtures that could shape Town’s promotion charge
On paper, Ipswich boast one of the strongest squads in the league. While their Premier League campaign ended in relegation, their top-flight investment left them with a group of players proven at Championship level—particularly in attack.
Maxwell said:
> “Looking at the squad earlier, it didn’t scream ‘Championship all-stars’ until I got to the front line. That phrase gets thrown around, and it sticks with fans—especially when rivals want to throw it back in your face later.”
> “Outside the No.10s, wingers, and striker, there’s quality—but maybe not quite the star power. I really rate George Hirst, but I’m not sure he’s earned the ‘Championship all-star’ tag just yet. He has the profile and the manager’s belief to eventually explode, though.”
He had high praise for key names:
> “Jack Clarke and Jaden Philogene—definitely. Omari Hutchinson and Sammie Szmodics—again, absolutely. Dara O’Shea is excellent. I’m a big fan of Jacob Greaves, too. He had a tough season, but I expect him to shine from day one.”
However, Maxwell flagged a couple of concerns:
> “I’m not sold on the current right-back options, and central midfield looks a bit thin. Sam Morsy has been brilliant, but he’s 33 now—age will eventually catch up.”
He also questioned whether Jack Taylor is ready to play a key role in a promotion-chasing side:
> “I’ve never been entirely convinced that Taylor is of top-end Championship quality. But he’s had two seasons under McKenna now, and with that experience, I’m hopeful we’ll see an improved version of him.”
In summary, Maxwell sees a well-balanced Ipswich side with a standout attack, a respected manager, and the benefit of stability—a mix that could make them serious contenders for a return to the Premier League.
> “It’s a very good squad. Maybe not packed with stars in every position, but there’s a lot to like. And there’s still time
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