Seven things we've learned ahead of Town's Premier League return

Ipswich Town take to the pitch at Portman Road at 15:00 BST for their first game back in the Premier League. Following a busy summer of transfers and the appointment of new manager Gary O'Neil, club chairman Mark Ashton told the BBC he was "optimistic" ahead of the clash against Sunderland . Here are seven things we have learned ahead of the new season.

Could more new faces be on their way to Portman Road?

Julio Enciso and Abdoul Ouattara have signed from French club Strasbourg in a deal that could reach a reported £47.3m [Getty Images]

So far this transfer window Ipswich Town have spent in the region of £150m on 12 new players — more than the two other promoted clubs, Coventry and Hull.

The club's two marquee signings have been Julio Enciso for £26m from Strasbourg ( along with Abdoul Ouattara ) and Emersonn from Toulouse for £24m. But could more be on the way?

"We're not done. Seriously, we're not done," said Ashton.

Digital ticketing will not be a barrier for fans

Mark Ashton has assured fans support will be on offer for those concerned about digital ticketing [PA Media]

This season will mark the Blues' first foray into full-scale digital ticketing, meaning fans will have to have their tickets on a digital device and then scan them to enter the stadium.

This has sparked some concern for those who don't own a smartphone or struggle with technology.

Ashton stressed the club was "not trying to provide barriers" and urged people to contact them in advance of matchday.

"Whatever you have in way of concerns around digital ticketing... call us, email us, come and see us," he said.

"We'll make sure someone can spend some time with you.

"We are very aware that change is difficult, but we have to move the football club forward. So I'd ask for fans' patience as people get used to this."

Stadium improvements unearth hidden history

Over the summer "considerable work" has been undertaken at Portman Road.

Changes include safe standing in the Sir Bobby Robson Stand, an extension to fan facilities and improvements to accessibility facilities, which Ashton said were "better than we've ever had".

During the works, there was a surprise when part of the roof of the stadium, from the 1950s, was rediscovered, having been concealed and built over.

"You never quite know at Portman Road what you're going to find, so we had to deal with that, which is all good fun," said Ashton.

Players have taken to new training ground

Plans for the clubs new training ground were approved in March 2025 [Graeme McLoughlin/BBC]

In addition to improvements to the club's stadium, Ipswich has a new state-of-the-art training ground, which cost £30m.

It includes a new first team building and better facilities for the Academy and the women's teams, with the players using it for the first time this week.

Ashton said "there is nothing like it in the East of England".

"It's a real elite development centre and everything that you want in a modern training ground is there," he said.

"It's incredible and it's something that we are very, very proud of."

Gary O'Neil has fitted in 'really quickly'

Town boss Gary O'Neil will be hoping for an opening day win at Portman Road [Getty Images]

After the shock and sudden departure of former manager Kieran McKenna weeks after securing his third promotion with Town, attention turned to who would replace him.

Former Wolves boss, and Norwich City player, Gary O'Neil was unveiled as the new head coach in June – a decision which garnered a mixed reaction from supporters.

Following four wins from the team's last four pre-season friendlies, any concerns fans may have had may have just started to dissipate.

"What I've seen is someone fit into a club and a culture really quickly; he's had to do it at a breakneck speed and that's never easy," said Ashton.

"But he's been first class - his morals, the way he interacts with people and his work ethic have been superb."

As it happened: Ipswich Town bus parade 2026

Town can avoid relegation

For all the jubilation and excitement when Town were promoted back to the top flight for the first time in 22 years in 2024, their return ended with a bit of a whimper and immediate relegation.

The club will, of course, be extremely keen to avoid a repeat of that this time round, but are the Tractor Boys finally ready to compete with the big boys? Ashton thinks so.

"People will say I am overly optimistic, too brave and put pressure on people, but you have to take a bite - you can worry about how you chew it later," he said.

"As long as it doesn't choke you, you're going to be all right. So I think we should try and take a big bite out of the season and be the best versions of ourselves.

"Why can't we do what Sunderland have done and what Brighton have done, and what Bournemouth have done and what Forest have done?

"It's not going to be easy, but I refuse to be defeatist and I want us to push on."

Portman Road will be a 'fortress'

In order for the club to stand a chance of emulating the success of the teams that have defied relegation before them, Ashton believes the 12th man will be incredibly important.

Not least when the team performs at home, which he said could really make all the difference.

"Portman Road will be key – if we win at Portman Road we have a successful season," he said.

"We know what the fortress of Portman Road can do and I think the fans can genuinely make a difference here."

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