Ipswich Town: Wes Burns on winning promotion to the Premier League

Burns grabbed the crucial first goal yesterday as Town beat Huddersfield 2-0 to secure back-to-back promotions and a return to the top tier for the first time since 2002.

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Speaking on the pitch in the aftermath, draped in the Welsh flag and a beer in hand, the electrifying winger grinned: “It’s incredible to be honest. It’s quite difficult to put into words right now.

“I’m sure it’s going to take quite a few days to sink in, it’s a dream come true.

"It’s something that I set out to achieve when I was six years old starting to play football – so to have done it now, 23 years later, is an incredible achievement for me.”

Wes Burns slots home the first goal against Huddersfield (Image: Stephen Waller)
Of the game itself, he admitted: “I was glad it was an early kick off, because I couldn’t bear waiting around all day for it!

“I was nervous obviously, but nervous energy is good – it shows that you care. I just wanted to get the job done, and we got the job done in style I think.”

He continued: "To be fair it (scoring) was a feeling of relief. We knew if we got the first goal today it would set us on our way and I was just delighted I could be part of it.

READ MORE: Stuart Watson's verdict on day Town sealed promotion

“I should have scored one or two before really, I was just glad that one went in!”

Promotion to the biggest and best league on earth is just the latest step on an incredible journey for Burns, who arrived at Town as the first signing under new CEO Mark Ashton in the 'Demolition Man' summer of Paul Cook back in 2021.

Town fans and players celebrate back-to-back promotions (Image: PA Images)
Looking back on his personal story, he reflected: “It’s mental. I was probably one of the lowest key signings when I came in from Fleetwood, first in through the door for a massive change.

“If someone was to say that in three seasons time I would be promoted to the Premier League I would have told them to go away…or use a different word!

“It’s been an incredible journey for me.”

Burns bagged six goals and laid on four assists in the historic promotion campaign, playing a key role in what is an extraordinary achievement.

Much has been written about the Town team, the way they play football, their mental strength and many other attributes - but what, for Burns, makes the side so special?

Wes Burns has been a vital part of two promotion sides (Image: PA Images)
“It’s the never say die attitude," he insisted "I’ve said it before, I’ve never met a group of lads who have such dedication to their craft.

“We work tirelessly every day and are meticulous in every single detail – that’s what sets us apart from everyone else.”

Setting themselves apart from everyone else at the next level will be a totally different, much bigger challenge, of course.

But Burns and his exceptional band of brothers in Blue have earned the right to test themselves against the best in the world.

And, given what they achieved this season was meant to be impossible, what might they be able to do in the Premier League?

Wes Burns says Kieran McKenna is the best manager he's ever had (Image: Steve Waller)
“I’ve no idea – the possibilities for this group are endless," he enthused.

“We’ve got the best manager that we could possibly have, he’s the best I’ve ever worked with and the best group of lads – literally the ceiling is not high enough, it’s a glass ceiling, not a concrete ceiling.

“This group can achieve anything.”