Town boss Kieran McKenna was named the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Season at this evening’s EFL Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London this evening, while Wes Burns, Leif Davis and former Blues skipper Luke Chambers were also honoured.

McKenna fought off fellow nominees Daniel Farke of Leeds and Hull City’s Liam Rosenior, a former Town loanee, to win the gong.

Accepting the award, McKenna was asked how he and his team have managed to take to the Championship so comfortably this season with the Blues currently top with three games to go.

“It is tough,” he said. “It’s certainly not easy and it’s a testament to a lot of people at the football club and I can only thank all of them.

“This award’s on behalf of everyone at the football club, from the board and Mark [Ashton], the chief executive, putting their faith in me to the work of all the staff, some of whom are enjoying their night tonight and, of course, for my coaching staff and, most of all, for a great group of players as well.”

Burns’s brilliant outside-of-the-boot strike against Coventry City at Portman Road won the EFL Goal of the Season gong, which McKenna accepted on the Wales international’s behalf with none of the Town players present at the dinner having been given some time off following the recent busy spell of fixtures.

Davis was the only Blues player named in the Sky Bet Championship Team of the Season, the 24-year-old having recorded a new second-level record for a defender of 17 assists, as well as netting two goals and helping Town to 11 league clean sheets.

Former Blues skipper Chambers was honoured by being awarded the Sir Tom Finney Award for his commitment to the EFL, the 38-year-old having announced his retirement on Life's a Pitch TV earlier in the season.

“It was a bit of a surprise, to be honest,” Chambers said accepting the award. “No one really let on to what was happening. To be here is absolutely incredible, surrounded by so many unbelievable people, players, staff, people that are involved in the EFL. I’m a little bit speechless.

“I believe I led my career being as selfless as possible, being the captain of every club I played for. Trying to lead the best way I knew how, but always putting my teammates and the club first, so to be recognised at the end of 20 years of giving absolutely everything is absolutely unbelievable.”

Former Blues loan keeper Will Norris, now with Portsmouth, was named in the League One Team of the Season.

Photo: Matchday Images

Tommy_ITFC added 22:34 - Apr 14 As always , a testimont to the whole group. A fantastic squad and set off coaches we've had this year , along with the backroom staff and all those behind the scenes. He'll never make it about him , but he has worked absaloute wonders here , and let's hope there are many more wonders to be worked. We'll done to Davis and Burns , both never in doubt , though I do believe Davis should be in top 3 shortlist over diving dewsbury Hall. COYB

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SouperJim added 22:37 - Apr 14 Chuffed to see Chambers recognised as much as anything, such a fantastic pro who gave absolutely everything for this football club and has diddly squat to show for it. Took the brunt of a lot of fans frustrations entirely unjustly and did everything he could to drag up the team around him, perhaps taking too much onto his shoulders at times. One F-in Chambers.
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Bert added 22:53 - Apr 14 Never in doubt for what he and the whole club have achieved this season. Whether we gain promotion or not, KMcK’s personal leadership and coaching abilities has given supporters that sense of belonging not experienced or felt seen since the glory days of Bobby Robson.
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Gforce added 23:38 - Apr 14 Very well deserved boss,without doubt our best manager since Sir Bobby. Now please put the icing on the cake and steer us through the final hurdles to the promised land and promotion.
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Broadbent23 added 00:17 - Apr 15 Cream of the crop always rises to the top. Fantastic achievement. One more hurdle to achieve this season.
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bobble added 00:31 - Apr 15 bit early and very distracting to give such awards out...
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KiwiBlue2 added 01:36 - Apr 15 Marvellous recognition for Kieran's personal efforts and those of the staff, players and supporters around him. We should also recognise his family for their support and the sacrifices they will have made in terms of the time he spends on his work that would otherwise have been spent with them, particularly his wife and children. Hopefully if we can win our last three matches we will cap off an outstanding season with automatic promotion, it is all in our hands...... coyb

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Suffolkboy added 02:40 - Apr 15 So much of the above has become self evident ; KMxK is a man of extraordinary standing who shows us and ITFC what sincere values and ethos can bring to our lives and personal performance . His belief and dedication are take on board ,with enthralling commitment AND his family are blessed with a father who sets them the best example ! All of us as ITFC lovers should be excited and humbled by what he’s achieved ( backed as he said by a terrific Team from TOP down ) . COYB

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MK1 added 05:07 - Apr 15 What a turn around for our magnificent club. Totally deserved and hopefully win it again next season in the Premier League. Well done Kieran.
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SpiritOfJohn added 06:47 - Apr 15 Thoroughly deserved recognition for an outstanding manager and motivator. Undoubtedly our best manager since George Burley. Let's not forget George's team also played entertaining football, won promotion to the Premier League and finished 5th, which led to Burley winning manager of the season. So I would say Kieran McKenna still has some way to go to top those achievements before he can be mentioned as the best since Bobby Robson. I hope he stays with us for many more years as then he will have the chance to surpass George Burley's record in the top division. Well done Kieran, Leif, Wes and Luke - Ipswich Town is truly back on the football map. There should also have been places for Morsy and Hladky in the team of the season.

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Flight_of_Shefki added 07:42 - Apr 15 This is fantastic. The awards, accolades, records and fan attendance that we are collecting/seeing at the moment just goes to show the trajectory that we're on - even if we don't make auto's or a potential subsequent play-off victory; this can't be denied. Fantastic couple of seasons we've had under the gaffer, and long may this continue. Best vibes since those golden George Burley days for me.

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Nomore4 added 07:54 - Apr 15 Simply the best. However this will make him wanted more than he was already. Enjoy every second of KMcK last 3 games…..
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Help added 08:01 - Apr 15 And there it is No more 4 with the when KmcK is on his way out vibe.
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oldtimer3 added 08:02 - Apr 15 Sorry Burley got far to carried away with his signings, remember him spending too much money on a Goalkeeper from Italy and a forward from Africa. We got relegated that season and went.into administration! So don't mention him in the same breathe a Sir Bobby who spent wisely and brought through players from the youth team who went on to play for their country! I can see MK, becoming a legend like Sir Bobby..

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Texastom added 08:16 - Apr 15 Think you’ll find Mr Ego Sheepshanks was involved in that, don’t blame legend Burley who was an Ipswich great and played super football….
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Texastom added 08:19 - Apr 15 Burley also massively overachieved that 1st season in Premiership was unbelievable winning away at Everton, Liverpool etc etc. unbelievable. Nearly qualified for Champions League!
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Edmundo added 08:21 - Apr 15 Great recognition for the Club as well as the individuals concerned. Think Morsy deserves to be in Team of the Season. Hope to see another worldy from Wes at Hull or Coventry...
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ArnieM added 08:34 - Apr 15 Congratulations Kieran. You’re a one off in the modern game now. So glad you’re with us and please stay. Together we can make a new and significant history in the not too distant future.
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warktheline added 08:51 - Apr 15 Another milestone hit! And still some question the man! I remember one particular comment on here after our home defeat to Leeds, stating McKenna was a rookie manager who was just about to see how tough life would be in the championship. ‘Tough times ahead’….surely mistaken? Or did he mean tough times ahead for Leicester, Leeds and Southampton, none of which realistically visualised McKenna’s boys currently sitting on top of the pile! No he definitely meant an arduous long season ahead for McKenna! Put your hands up and admit that you got it completely wrong…yet again! Well deserved McKenna and for everyone connected to the club in various aspects.

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Carberry added 09:08 - Apr 15 Well deserved.
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TimmyH added 10:27 - Apr 15 Hope this isn't a curse like when a manager won the monthly award and we lose all our remaining games (doubt will happen)...but what ever happens he fully deserves it!
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TimmyH added 10:30 - Apr 15 On another note just noticed players of the season and Leeds have three and Leicester two!?!...I would have thought with us completely over achieving we would have had more than just Davis in there.
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churchmans added 10:38 - Apr 15 Hats off to everyone involved,the manager,players,staff and a special mention should be given to the 3lions,,pprs club owners who have revived our club and continue to provide vital support and backing! You have saved our club and awoken a giant! The absolute pinnacle would be promotion this season by any means
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terryf added 10:39 - Apr 15 Kieran has been a breath of fresh air to our Club since he walked in the Building. Everyone is on the same page both players and supporters and it's been a joy watching our Team over the past two years. The quality of our football has been exceptional at times! God knows we have deserved it though after so many dark days under Keane, Jewell, McCarthy and Lambert.
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Lightningboy added 10:43 - Apr 15 Well deserved - obviously. But I really don't understand why they dish these awards out before the actual season finishes? Just saying - Coventry could still get promoted & win the FA cup....
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