David Moyes
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Ipswich Town will head to Merseyside with their Premier League fate sealed, as their relegation to the Championship was confirmed after a loss to Newcastle United last weekend. Despite this setback, Everton manager David Moyes has expressed admiration for Ipswich’s journey from League One to the top flight under the guidance of manager Kieran McKenna. Moyes mistakenly referred to McKenna as the only manager to achieve back-to-back promotions to the Premier League, but he emphasized the significance of Ipswich’s achievement, given the club’s stature.
David Moyes said: “A great, great young manager who half the country wanted last year. I could stand corrected here, but I think he’s the only one who’s taken a team from the Third Division (League One) to the Championship to the Premier League. I thought I was going to do it when I was manager of Preston – Third Division, straight up, Championship, I lost in the play-off final to Big Sam’s (Allardyce) Bolton. Kieran has been able to take the team all the way, which is an unbelievable achievement. When you have to jump those leagues – we’re all talking a lot about Wrexham at the moment, how well they have done and the amazing work Phil Parkinson has done – I think Kieran has done that into the Premier League, which is so good. Let’s just remember, Ipswich as a club – if you’re of a certain generation, you remember the Ipswich Town teams that were fantastic. They were challenging for Premier League titles. It wasn’t Premier League then, but First Division titles at that time. He’s done it at a real football club. He’ll be disappointed with this season, but I think he’s done a brilliant job there.”
Moyes also addressed the injury challenges facing both Ipswich Town and his own squad. He acknowledged that Ipswich has had its share of injury woes, similar to Everton. Notably, Moyes revealed that Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has been sidelined since January with a hamstring injury, might return to the squad for the upcoming match, although he is unlikely to play significant minutes.
Ipswich Town’s journey under McKenna has been noteworthy, despite the recent relegation. The club’s history and past successes in challenging for top-tier titles add to the significance of their recent achievements. Moyes’s comments highlight the respect McKenna has garnered in the football community for his managerial capabilities and the club’s potential for future success.
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