Former Ipswich Town striker Alex Mathie believes Kieran McKenna’s side are “only going to get better” after an impressive 3–1 win over rivals Norwich City.
The victory lifted Ipswich to ninth in the Championship table, leaving them just two points outside the play-off positions and full of optimism after a mixed start to the campaign.
Confidence Growing After Derby Delight
It was a statement win at Portman Road, capped by Jaden Philogene’s spectacular 30-yard strike to restore the lead at 2–1. The winger, on loan from Aston Villa, has been in electric form in recent weeks and was once again the catalyst for McKenna’s men.
Mathie, who famously scored a hat-trick against Norwich in 1998, was full of praise for the team’s performance and Philogene’s growing influence on the side.
“It was a great finish from Philogene again – he’s really on fire just now, every time he shoots, he scores,” Mathie told BBC Radio Suffolk. “To just have the confidence to do that with his left foot, which is not his strongest foot – it was unstoppable, it really was.”
The result marks a strong response from the Tractor Boys following a run of inconsistent form that had left some fans frustrated. With a game in hand on several rivals, Ipswich could climb as high as third with another win, maintaining their promotion ambitions in what looks to be one of the most competitive Championship seasons in years.
McKenna’s Rebuild Continues
Since guiding Ipswich to promotion from League One in 2023, McKenna has been praised for his tactical discipline and the clear identity he has instilled at Portman Road. However, this summer saw a major overhaul of the squad, with 11 new arrivals and several senior players departing, creating a period of transition for the young manager to navigate.
Despite that, Mathie believes the foundations are stronger than ever.
“We’ve got the best young manager,” he added. “If he can get us up there challenging and promoted this season, he’s done the best ever job because he’s got a brand-new squad, and for a manager to do that in a short space of time would be fantastic.”
McKenna’s side will now have a two-week break before returning to action against Middlesbrough on Friday, 17 October. The match offers another opportunity to show that their East Anglian derby triumph was no one-off, as Ipswich look to consolidate their promotion credentials in the months ahead.
Writer’s View
This was arguably Ipswich’s most complete display of the season. McKenna’s blend of youth and technical ability is starting to click, while players such as Philogene are proving decisive in big games.
The former Manchester United coach continues to defy expectations with his calm authority and long-term vision, and with momentum building, Ipswich look capable of mounting a genuine play-off push if they maintain this level of belief and intensity.
