Town to face Liverpool and Manchester City in opening games

Kieran McKenna's side face the daunting prospect of a home game against Liverpool, who finished third last season, followed by a trip to champions Manchester City for the first two games next season.

Town travel to Manchester City second game, where they may have to face Belgian superstar Kevin De Bruyne (Image: Adam Davy/PA) Liverpool won eight trophies under previous coach Jurgen Klopp, but will now be managed by Dutchman Arne Slot, while Manchester City have won four successive titles under their coach Pep Guardiola, who has won 10 major trophies in total at City.

READ MORE: David Sheepshanks and George Burley praise Ipswich Town

On the plus side, the run-in to the end of the season looks a little kinder, with Town facing Everton, Brentford, Leicester City and West Ham United in the final month of May.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has led his team to four consecutive Premier League titles (Image: Martin Rickett/PA) But former chairman David Sheepshanks, who was involved in Town's promotion to the top flight in 2000, believed McKenna would produce a team that could compete in the Premier League after achieving back-to-back promotions from League One and the Championship.

"Of course it is a huge jump. Nobody is under any illusions, least of all Kieran and Mark Ashton (chief executive), but we have to go into these things relishing it and having nothing to fear," he said.

Town right back Fabian Wilnis celebrates after scoring for Town against Manchester United in the first home game after Town were last promoted to the Premier League (Image: Jamie Niblock) He said it was 'exciting' to be back in the Premier League and the opening two matches reminded him of facing Tottenham away then reigning champions Manchester United in an 'electric' atmosphere at Portman Road at the start of the 2000-01 season.

READ MORE: David Sheepshanks praises 'fabulous turnaround' at Ipswich

Town lost the opening game 3-1 at White Hart Lane, but bounced back to earn a thrilling draw against United, with right back Fabian Wilnis opening the scoring for Town, before a certain David Beckham levelled for the visitors with one of his trademark free kicks.

David Beckham celebrates after equalising for United at Portman Road in 2000 (Image: Archant) The Tractor Boys went on to finish fifth that season and earn a place in the UEFA Cup.

Mr Sheepshanks recalled that many football pundits had written off Ipswich's hopes of staying up that season, just as they have done ahead of the forthcoming campaign.

"Nobody gave us a hope against Manchester United all those years ago and we acquitted ourselves very well.

David Sheepshanks was chair of Ipswich Town when they were last promoted in 2000 (Image: Archant) "Whatever happens, we have got a club, a team, a manager, a stadium, a leadership team and a chief executive in Mark Ashton to be incredibly proud of and lets go and enjoy it next season," he said.

READ MORE: Former Ipswich Town chairman Sheepshanks on American takeover, Evans' tenure and an 'exciting' future

George Burley was the manager of the last Ipswich team to be promoted to the Premier League and said the players should be 'wanting' the challenge of facing world class teams and players.

He said: "It is exciting times for everybody at Portman Road and the fans and the players.

"I think virtually none of the players have played in the Premier League before so that will be a great test for them and for the fans after so long being away from the Premier League."

Former Ipswich Town manager George Burley celebrates promotion to the Premier League in 2000 (Image: John Babb) Although Manchester City away would be 'a really difficult one' the team would need to find their feet and 'confidence' would grow from there, Burley said.

"It is a test, you never know what can happen. We had a decent start to the season in 2000, although I know it is more difficult these days, but you never know, we might surprise everyone and finish higher than we think is possible.

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"You look at fixture lists - every game's going to be difficult when you play against the best - but you can see what you can do against the best teams and they don't come any stronger than Liverpool and Manchester City."

Club legend John Wark hoped for a draw from the Liverpool game (Image: Archant) Ipswich legend John Wark represented both Town and Liverpool during his playing days and joked that people had been contacting him since the fixtures were announced to ask about the Liverpool connection.

The midfielder still works in hospitality for both clubs and said he hoped for a draw, which would be a good result for Town.

"We are playing Liverpool, which was the team I played for after Ipswich and I could not believe it when it came up in the fixtures.

"I played for both clubs, but Ipswich is my club through and through because I have been here for a long time," he said.

He emphasised the need for Town to get off to a good start, especially as they were going to another level following promotion from the Championship.

"I am just really looking forward to it because we are in the best league - and one of the most difficult leagues - in the world in the Premier League.

"I am glad we are in it and hope that we do ourselves justice and survive," Wark added.

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