Ipswich Town’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed following a 3–0 defeat at Newcastle United, but defender Luke Woolfenden has vowed that the club will return stronger next time.

Ipswich Town defender Luke Woolfenden has delivered a defiant message after the club’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed by a 3–0 defeat to Newcastle United.

The Tractor Boys’ brief return to the top flight ended at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon, with goals from Alexander Isak, Dan Burn, and Will Osula – the latter scoring his first Premier League goal – condemning them to the drop.

Ipswich began brightly and looked the more dangerous side early on. However, their momentum was disrupted when Ben Johnson was dismissed shortly before half-time, and Newcastle capitalised soon after as Isak converted a penalty in front of the Leazes Stand.

Reduced to ten men and trailing at the break, Ipswich struggled to regain a foothold, and Newcastle exerted full control after the interval to ease to victory.

Woolfenden Reflects on Tough Afternoon on Tyneside

The first half ended in chaotic scenes, with referee Michael Salisbury at the heart of the controversy. Johnson was initially cautioned for simulation before later bringing down Isak just outside the penalty area, resulting in a second yellow card and subsequent dismissal.

Although Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna appeared visibly frustrated on the touchline, Woolfenden conceded post-match that the official had little choice:

"I’m not sure the first one is a yellow," Woolfenden told Premier League Productions. "But the second one definitely is, so once he’s given a yellow, the referee has to do that. The penalty is what it is."

As Johnson’s red card resulted from two bookings, VAR was unable to intervene. However, video technology did come into play moments later when Newcastle were awarded a penalty following an on-field review.

Explaining the decision on X, the Premier League Match Centre stated:

‘#NEWIPS – 45+1 VAR OVERTURN. VAR reviewed the referee’s initial call of no penalty for a challenge by Enciso on Murphy – and determined that Enciso had committed a pulling offence. An on-field review was recommended, and the referee subsequently awarded a penalty to Newcastle.’

Focus Turns to the Championship

As Ipswich come to terms with a disappointing end to their season, attention now turns towards mounting a fresh promotion push in the Championship.

Following back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League under McKenna’s guidance, confidence remains high that the club can quickly bounce back.

For Woolfenden, the focus is clear: ensuring Ipswich return to grounds like St James’ Park stronger and more competitive:

"We went over to the away end at the end, and it was full – they’ve been brilliant," he said.

"We want to come back here, give a better account of ourselves in 14 months' time, and go toe-to-toe with Newcastle."