Huge turn out for Premier League promotion parade

Thousands of Ipswich fans lined the parade route [PA Media] Thousands of football fans lined the streets to celebrate Ipswich Town's promotion back to the Premier League. The Tractor Boys, relegated from the top flight last season, sealed an immediate return by beating QPR on Saturday to finish as runners-up in the Championship. An open-top bus parade from the club's Portman Road led to Christchurch Park, where a special celebratory event was held.

Addressing a sea of blue-shirted supporters, Town chairman Mark Ashton said: "I can't believe how passionate this town, this county, this fanbase is for its football club - it's such a special club. " He said: "I'm very, very humbled by the turnout by this incredible fanbase today. When we joined in 2021, never did I dream of three promotions in four years - my god, we feel like we've built a monster, and we've still got more to do.

" Re-live Ipswich's promotion parade here Manager Kieran McKenna and some of the Ipswich players also addressed the crowd. Speaking at the parade, McKenna said: "It's incredible, it's humbling, every person who comes out, we are so grateful. Seeing the smiles on their faces, it just means everything.

"We'll have a few days now this week to hopefully enjoy it. " Defensive midfielder Azor Matusiwa, who was named player of the season by supporters, said: "It's a very nice feeling - it's amazing! My first year playing in England, and we've done a great job.