- Ipswich Town played their first game back in the Premier League on Saturday
- They lost 2-0 to Liverpool, but showed positive signs throughout the match
- LISTEN NOW: It’s all just beginning!Available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday
I woke up at 5am and couldn’t get back to sleep because of the excitement of Ipswich returning to the Premier League after 22 years. That was the case for the rest of the day. Despite the result, no one at Portman Road could be disappointed with the lads’ performance against one of the best teams in England.
I was so excited when we were promoted against Huddersfield in May and it was exactly the same on Saturday. The atmosphere was incredible. I was working in the Sir Bobby Robson Suite with some corporate guests and all I could think was: “We’re back on top, boss. You’d be so proud and happy.”
I also played for Liverpool during my career, but on this occasion my loyalty was to the Blues; I’m sure they would understand that.
Ipswich played so well in the first half that Kieran McKenna must have been delighted. Then, after the break, it was clear what level these Premier League teams can reach.
Liverpool stepped up a level under Trent Alexander-Arnold, who started throwing passes for fun, and it was a good lesson for our boys. But there is no reason to be pessimistic: Ipswich equipped themselves well and we will surely have a fighting chance of staying in this league if we play like we did in the first 45 minutes.
Kieran McKenna led Ipswich into their first Premier League game in 22 years on Saturday against Liverpool.
The Tractor Boys had a good result but fell 2-0 to the Reds.
Former manager Bobby Robson would have been proud to see the club return to the top flight.
Ipswich’s greatest ever player, John Wark, according to Mail Sport readers, gave his verdict on the opening day
New signing, centre-back Jacob Greaves, was voted man of the match for Ipswich so I got to meet him in the sponsors’ lounge afterwards. He seemed a really nice guy and my message to him was simple: “You’ve played really well, keep it up.”
Nobody thought the Premier League would be easy. Liverpool have proven that. But Ipswich have taken a huge reward and we can all be optimistic about the future.