Ipswich Town secured promotion in style with a 6-0 victory over Exeter City yesterday. Andy Warren and Stuart Watson spoke to the Blues players on an emotional afternoon.
Wes Burns
“You might have to ask me in a couple of days how I actually feel, because I can’t put it into words right now.
“But what an unbelievable achievement. I think we all got to the January period and maybe everyone thought it was a bit beyond us to go top two, but this is credit to us as a team and a coaching staff for the incredible job we’ve done. I couldn’t be happier right now.
“This is the best form in world football, isn’t it? I think I saw a tweet earlier in the week saying we’re the most in-form team in the world. Coming here today, everyone was obviously worrying about whether we would get the job done, but we’ve done it in style.
“We have been saying for a while now about forgetting the tension, forgetting what Plymouth and Sheffield Wednesday are doing and just focusing on us. Since we had that conversation we haven’t looked back.
“I’m over the moon. We are the hardest working team in the league and I couldn’t be happier to share this with the most amazing fans.”
Conor Chaplin scored twice for Ipswich Town in their promotion-clinching victory over Exeter (Image: PA)
Conor Chaplin
“What a day. What a day.
“This was the end goal so for it to happen today was so special. What a special day at Portman Road.
“I’m so happy.
“For me we are the best team in the league by a long way but fair play to Plymouth as well because they have been incredible. To be in this form and not top of the league is crazy.
“But this squad, for me, is the best team in the league so fingers crossed we can prove that next Sunday.
“It’s about hard work, there are no shortcuts.
“We will enjoy this tonight. And tomorrow. Then maybe Monday as well.
“But then we are getting ready for Sunday.”
Luke Woolfenden celebrates promotion at Portman Road (Image: PA)
Luke Woolfenden
“It’s incredible. The fans have waited a long, long time for that since we left the Premier League.
“Driving in on the bus was incredible and the fans really helped today. We got the early goal and then it was party football really. We were having it off.
“I didn’t sleep well last night because I was so excited. I think most of the boys were.
“This is tough to put into words. There is no better place to be than Ipswich.
“This is a town in the middle of nowhere but you will see tonight just how wild it can be. It will be unbelievable.”
Harry Clarke
"This is why I came back. This is what I dreamed of since I was little.
"Obviously me and Woolfy, growing up here, coming through the academy, it means a lot to us.
"This is what every boy plays for.
"To give this back to the town and get this club back to where it belongs is special.
"My granddad passed a few years ago and I've just given my nana a big hug on the pitch. I've had my dad out here too. I've been in tears the whole time."
Christian Walton
“What an unbelievable day. It’s what we’ve all been waiting for. We’re delighted to get it done.
“I think the bus ride in was the best part to be honest. Obviously 6-0 is a massive scoreline but I’ve never seen anything like that when we were driving in.
“Full credit to them. They have been with us all season and they have been amazing.”
Janoi Donacien
“This is incredible. I’m so proud and so happy to have got this club back to where it belongs.
“We have been on an extremely good run, the fans have been incredible home and away and I’m so happy.
“Today was so clinical and incredible to watch. This is the best group I have ever been a part of and it’s rare to meet people in football that you can take away from the game. They are a great group of lads.
“We look forward to next week and will give our all. We’ll enjoy this night for sure but we are pushing for something and hopefully we can get that trophy.”
George Hirst and Conor Chaplin celebrate Ipswich Town's third goal (Image: PA)
George Hirst
“I don’t know what to say! Wow!
“This is why I came here in January to hopefully experience this at the end of the season.
“I’m lost for words.
“We had goosebumps coming in on the coach and I was fine up until that point. I was feeling calm and wasn’t nervous. Then you realise how much this means – it's crazy.
“We had a job to do and went out and did it. What an amazing day.”
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