The highly anticipated East Anglian derby is set to return next season as Ipswich Town and Norwich City prepare for their campaigns in the Championship.
Both clubs are undergoing significant transformations this summer, with contrasting moods and strategic approaches to their squad building and leadership.
Mood
Ipswich Town: After a brief return to the Premier League and subsequent relegation, Ipswich Town fans retain a positive outlook. The deflation of immediate relegation is tempered by the club’s stronger position upon returning to the Championship, buoyed by parachute payments, a robust squad, and a sense of unity between the team and its supporters. Fans are reportedly relishing the prospect of being a dominant force in the second tier.
Norwich City: There is renewed optimism at Norwich City, though a sense of déjà vu persists among supporters after recent managerial changes. Initial concerns regarding coaching choices, key player futures, and goalkeeping uncertainties have been addressed by Sporting Director Ben Knapper’s early work. The successful acquisition of Liam Manning as head coach and Harry Darling as a defender, alongside several other additions, has injected confidence. However, the club seeks tangible on-pitch inspiration, having experienced a disconnect with fans since their 2021 Premier League relegation. New American ownership also adds to the optimism, but sustained performance remains paramount.
Boss
Ipswich Town (Kieran McKenna): McKenna, fresh from guiding Ipswich to back-to-back promotions, was highly sought after last summer. Despite a recent drop in his stock due to relegation, he remains a crucial asset for Ipswich. His man-management, communication skills, and process-driven approach are widely praised for enhancing individual player performance. While some minority voices on social media have questioned his tactical acumen, the majority of the fanbase recognizes his importance, and he is reportedly motivated to achieve a third promotion in four seasons.
Norwich City (Liam Manning): Ben Knapper’s appointment of Norwich-born Liam Manning as head coach is seen as an exciting move. Manning’s success at Bristol City and his decision to join Norwich are viewed as positive indicators. Knapper aimed to build on the positive aspects of the previous manager’s tenure while addressing deficiencies in out-of-possession play and Championship experience. Manning’s track record of leaving clubs in better positions (Lommel, MK Dons, Oxford, Bristol City) and his local connection are expected to foster an early bond with the fanbase, with sustained results being the ultimate measure of success.
Squad
Ipswich Town: Ipswich returns to the Championship with what is considered one of the strongest squads in the league. Key players who excelled at this level, such as Alex Palmer, Leif Davis, Jacob Greaves, Dara O’Shea, Sam Morsy, Jack Clarke, Jaden Philogene, Sammie Szmodics, and Conor Chaplin, remain. While standout loan star Liam Delap has departed, and double-promotion heroes Massimo Luongo, Cameron Burgess, and Marcus Harness have also moved on, the core remains strong. Forward Omari Hutchinson is attracting Premier League interest, but a reported £35 million relegation release clause may deter suitors. Following over £100 million spent last summer on 12 new players, a quieter transfer window is anticipated.
Norwich City: Norwich faces significant squad reconstruction. They have swiftly moved to revamp their goalkeeping department with the additions of Dan Grimshaw and Louie Moulden, and Vladan Kovacevic from Sporting is expected to be the new number one. Harry Darling and the incoming Jakov Medic have been recruited to bolster a defense that conceded 68 goals last season. However, key assets Josh Sargent (who has scored 44 goals in 98 Championship games) and Borja Sainz are expected to depart, with interest also in Marcelino Nunez. The club hopes that existing young talents like Ante Crnac, Jose Cordoba, Amankwah Forson, Matej Jurasek, Jacob Wright, Kellen Fisher, and Lucien Mahovo will step up in their second season, complemented by experienced additions.
Key Summer Jobs
Ipswich Town: A primary focus for Ipswich was to secure the returns of defender Axel Tuanzebe and midfielder Jens Cajuste. However, Tuanzebe has since signed for Premier League newcomers Burnley. Cajuste, on loan from Napoli, has a reported £10 million option to buy, with Ipswich weighing his talent against injury concerns. The Blues also need to add at least one, and ideally two, new strikers to replace Delap, though Scottish international George Hirst is favored to lead the line. A midfield revamp is also necessary, given Sam Morsy’s age (turning 34 in September) and a lack of depth.
Norwich City: Norwich has successfully addressed its need for a new number one goalkeeper and central defensive options. Their ongoing target list includes a defensive midfielder and a winger, potentially two once Borja Sainz departs (with Porto and Napoli reportedly interested). The critical task is retaining Josh Sargent, who has garnered significant interest, though no official bids have been made as of yet. Sourcing replacements for both Sargent and Sainz would be challenging. Additionally, Norwich aims to trim its squad, with Shane Duffy and Kenny McLean potentially moving on, and a general thinning of the midfield department. The focus is on adding “oven-ready” talent to balance their existing young squad.
Expectations
Ipswich Town: Ipswich is widely considered the favorite for promotion next season. The objective is not only a swift return to the Premier League but also to establish themselves there. Fans expect a return to consistent winning after a challenging season with only four total victories in the top flight. The club faces the pressure of being favorites and re-establishing the relentless winning mentality that defined their previous promotions. A strong start to the season is deemed crucial to avoid any lingering effects from their Premier League relegation.
Norwich City: Last season, there was ambiguity regarding Norwich City’s expectations. This season, pressure rests on Ben Knapper and Liam Manning to deliver forward momentum and greater consistency. As a Championship club, the ultimate objective is promotion. After three seasons at this level, including two bottom-half finishes, supporters are hoping for a clear direction and a team to fully invest their support in. Whether the current strategy can deliver on these aspirations remains to be seen.
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