“‘That’s the Harsh Reality”- McKenna Speaks Out with a Powerful Message to Ipswich Fans After 3-1 Defeat to West Ham
Kieran McKenna Praises Ipswich Fans After Premier League Relegation Ends with West Ham Defeat
Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna expressed gratitude to the club’s loyal supporters after a tough Premier League campaign concluded with a 3-1 home loss to West Ham United.
Despite finishing 19th with just 22 points and only one home win in their first top-flight season in 22 years, nearly 30,000 fans remained at Portman Road to applaud the players during the post-match lap of appreciation.
“We’ve got incredible supporters, no doubt about it,” said McKenna. “This is a special club, and we’re really thankful. They’re also a very sensible fanbase. They understand the scale of the challenge this season—a group of players that rose quickly through the divisions trying to compete in the toughest league in the world.
“They’ve seen the effort and commitment week in and week out. The players have given everything, and the club remains united. That’s a huge strength we’ll carry into the future.”
Ipswich had achieved back-to-back promotions and spent over £120 million ahead of their return to the Premier League, but the jump in quality proved too steep.
In the season finale, West Ham struck first through James Ward-Prowse after a costly back-pass from Ipswich captain Sam Morsy. Nathan Broadhead equalised with a powerful second-half strike, but Jarrod Bowen quickly restored West Ham’s lead with a brilliant long-range finish. Substitute Mohammed Kudus then sealed the win with a well-placed curling shot.
“I thought it was a well-matched contest,” said McKenna. “We did a lot right and, at times, were the better side. We created more chances than them, but it comes down to the fine margins at this level.
“This game reflects the challenge we’ve faced all year. We can match teams in terms of structure and play well between the boxes, but top Premier League players execute with clinical precision—and that’s the difference.”
He continued, “Bowen’s two moments of quality show what we’re up against. Even on the first goal—despite the error—we still had opportunities to recover, but his pass left his teammate with an empty net. Then for the second, he beats a man and smashes it in from the touchline. That’s elite-level play.
“You’re playing against some of the best and most physical players in the world. We lost a duel before the third goal and, in this league, that often leads directly to a chance.
“Today showed many of the things we’ve done well—our spirit, work rate, and organisation—but West Ham were more clinical in both boxes. That’s where they won the game.”
