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It Was 15 Years Ago Today - Ipswich Town News

Town secured promotion to the first ever Premiership season 15 years ago today with a 1-1 draw at Oxford's Manor Ground. Gavin Johnson scored for the Blues, while a certain Jim Magilton netted for the home side.

The draw not only won promotion but confirmed John Lyall's Blues as champions of the old Second Division. The trophy was handed to skipper David Linighan the following week when the Blues took on relegation-bound Brighton at Portman Road, the ground's final game before it became an all-seater.

A civic reception at the Town Hall followed the next day with Simon Milton leading a memorable rendition of We Are The Champions from the balcony and Chris Kiwomya, leading scorer for the season on 19, wearing a purple suit.

Town, who at one point trailed Kenny Dalglish's Blackburn by 10 points, ended the season on 84 points with Middlesbrough second four points behind. Derby County, Leicester City, Cambridge United and Blackburn Rovers made the play-offs with the Ewood Park club beating the Foxes 1-0 at Wembley in the final.

TWTD has set up a Town Topic for your memories of that season: Town Topic.

Get the fastest and most comprehensive Ipswich Town news service at ipswichtown.footballlatest.co.uk.

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