Ipswich Town column: Kieran McKenna’s side show pride in 2-2 Premier League draw at Everton but thoughts are already on summer transfer window

With Ipswich Town’s relegation confirmed, pride is all we have left to play for right now – and a positive performance and result on Saturday showed we are doing just that.

Goodison Park is a wonderful place and its residents Everton are one of England’s most famous football clubs. It was an honour to see Town play there and I think the English game will miss such a historic stadium.

As for the game itself, I feared the worst once Dwight McNeil had made it two but was really pleased with how we came back, especially given our circumstance.

But I guess Kieran McKenna would’ve expected nothing less and after the season we’ve had to endure, neither should we.

I’ll feel strange going to Portman Road on Saturday as Town face Brentford.

Don’t get me wrong, the thought of a sunny Saturday 3pm kick off at home excites me. But it’s going to feel slightly bizarre knowing the outcome of the game means nothing for us.

That said, not only are Town playing for pride now, but it would also be good to finish ‘top’ of that bottom three, which can only help us going into next season.

I’ll never wish any football away when it comes to watching Ipswich, but I am ready for this campaign to finish now. I can’t wait for the summer. I can’t wait for the signings and I’m really intrigued to see how we go about things.

For the first time in my lifetime, Town are going into a Championship expected to win it! We’ll have parachute payments on our side and given the ownership group aren’t short of a few quid, you’d imagine we’ll spend.

I’d like to see us really invest into the midfield area and show our ambition, but also be serious about getting straight back up.

Of course, we’ll lose a few on the way and I wouldn’t be surprised if Omari Hutchinson and Dara O’Shea join Liam Delap in departing.

But Town have the nucleus of a really good Championship team, especially going forward.

Until then, it’s Brentford at home and how nice would it be to get one more home win? Here’s hoping.