‘Premier League is overrated’: Former Ipswich boss hails McKenna but cautions Town on promotion

Former Ipswich Town manager Paul Lambert commended Kieran McKenna for earning back-to-back promotions, but said the Premier League was ‘overrated’ ahead of the club’s return after 22 years away.

The Blues’ 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town on Saturday sealed second place in the Championship, sealing their promotion to the top level of English football after only one season in the second tier.

Lambert admitted that McKenna has done a ‘fantastic job’ guiding them all the way up from League One in such a short period of time, comparing it to his tenure at arch-rivals Norwich City.

However, he also warned that the following season may not be as fun for them, suggesting that teams simply want to be in the Premier League for financial reasons.

“Ipswich Town are a completely different club than the one I left in 2021,” he stated via Betway. “They’ve changed ownership, and I believe only one player remains from my time there.

“Paul Cook took over after me, and Kieran McKenna had to change the entire dressing room, which he has done.

“The lads have done pretty similar to what I did at Norwich in going for back-to-back promotions, and Kieran has done an excellent job, so full marks to him.

“Ipswich is a fantastic club with a passionate fan base.

“However, in my opinion, the Premier League is overvalued. Without a doubt, it is overvalued. Teams want to be in it for the money, and this has been demonstrated.

On a personal level, Lambert has yet to return to management after leaving Ipswich in 2021, and he has stated that he is in no rush to do so.

“I have been requested to return to management several times, both in England and in other places. I’ve just returned from conducting some coaching in Australia with Dortmund and meeting new folks.

“I’ve been requested to return, but I believe the most of the offers have involved firefighting. I’ve decided that I don’t want to do that type of stuff, so I’ll wait and see.

“I’m having a good time right now; I’ve traveled all over Europe looking at other teams and observing training, as well as meeting different managers and coaches.