Championship review as Ipswich go up and Wrexham and Derby County suffer heartbreak on final day

Jack Otway
Sat, 02 May 2026 13:32:09 +0000

It's that time of year again, with the Championship season now over.

Today's action took place with all matches kicking off at 12.30pm, with plenty on the line.

Sure, the winners had already been assured. Coventry, led by Frank Lampard, will be back in the Premier League next season after a sensational campaign that has seen them win 28 of their matches, amassing 95 points.

But many supporters woke up today unsure if their sides would be experiencing a day to remember - or an afternoon to forget.

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There were plenty of goals, as you'd expect, with teams fighting until the very end to achieve their objectives.

GB News will now take a look at some of the biggest talking points.

Ipswich go up

Ipswich went into their final day showdown with Queens Park Rangers on Saturday knowing that victory would ensure their promotion.

And Kieran McKenna's Tractor Boys were outstanding at Portman Road as they booked their place in the Premier League for next season.

Ipswich's day started well, with George Hirst putting them in front with just three minutes on the clock.

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And their top-flight status was secured when Jaden Philogene doubled their advantage a mere six minutes later, with Kasey McAteer adding a third late on.

Credit must go to McKenna who, despite being linked with top jobs last summer, opted to stay in order to enhance his legacy.

He's now done that, with Ipswich fans looking forward to facing the elite next season.

Who will be in the play-offs?

Millwall were already guaranteed to be in the play-offs before today's action.

Alex Neil's men secured third in the standings with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Oxford United, with Femi Azeez scoring twice.

Southampton won 2-1 away at Preston, while Middlesbrough finished the season in fifth after a 2-2 draw at Wrexham.

There was drama, however.

Wrexham and Derby County, who were both pushing to make the play-offs, experienced heartbreak.

Wrexham's 2-2 draw with Boro was an immensely disappointing result, with the club's hopes of achieving a fourth promotion in a row now over.

As for Derby, fans dared to dream when Sammie Szmodics put them ahead early on against Sheffield United.

But the visitors came roaring back to claim victory, with Tom Cannon and Sydie Peck both finding the net.

With both sides faltering, Hull City were able to take full advantage.

They trailed an improving Norwich City side after 26 minutes when Mohamed Toure put the visitors in front.

But Hull then produced a sensational comeback to boost their chances of playing in the Premier League next season.

Veteran Oli McBurnie scored twice, with his first from the penalty spot, as the Tigers roared their way into contention.

Who has gone down?

Before today, the Championship's bottom three was already official.

Sheffield Wednesday are down, though the Owls will be dreaming of bigger and better days ahead after their takeover was confirmed earlier today.

Leicester City have suffered back-to-back relegations, meaning League One awaits, while Oxford United's time in the second tier is over.