Conor Chaplin: Ipswich Town have ‘no fear’ of title run-in.
Ipswich Town’s Conor Chaplin has said his side are “not stressed” and “have no fear” heading into the Championship season finale.
The 27-year-old has scored 13 goals and made seven assists this season, having played a pivotal role in last season’s promotion from League One.
The Tractor Boys know they will be promoted to the Premier League if they win their remaining three games.
Their run-in consists of tough away trips to Hull City and Coventry City.
“I’m excited and to be a part of this team is an honour,” said Chaplin, speaking to the BBC before Monday night’s 4-3 win by Leeds at Middlesbrough put Town back in third place, but with a game in hand over the Yorkshire side.
“We just need to enjoy the last three games, and see where it takes us. We’re not stressed. We have no fear.
“We’ve been in the situation all season where people have expected us to drop off and we’ve been enjoying the ride and not focusing on numbers, just on performance.”
Chaplin celebrates alongside teammate Wes Burns at Portman Road
Image source,Getty Images
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Chaplin says the support of the fans has been “crucial” to their success.
The attacking midfielder signed for Town under previous manager Paul Cook when in League One.
“I think we thoroughly deserve to be where we are. We feel like we’re one of the best teams in the division,” said Chaplin.
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He was named PFA League One Players’ Player of the Season following his efforts during the 2022-23 campaign. He scored 26 league goals to earn a share of the division’s golden boot.
He has more goal contributions than any other player for Ipswich this season.
Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna with his Championship manager of the season award
Image source,Rex Features.
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Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna is the Championship manager of the season
The number 10 said manager Kieran McKenna, who was recently crowned Championship manager of the season, has been instrumental.
“The way he is as a person – so down to earth. You can talk to him about anything, and that’s the same for all the boys in the changing room,” he explained.
“He’s created an atmosphere at the club that makes you want to come into work every day and get better. His attention to detail in training, tweaks in games, he is incredible.”
Chaplin has not only taken on the increased responsibility of being a leader on the pitch, but became a father to a baby boy last year.
“I love it. It’s honestly the best thing that’s ever happened, and an indescribable feeling. It has helped me a lot when you want to switch off, or had a bad game,” he said.
“You come home and the only thing that matters is your little one, whether you have missed from two yards out, lost or won 6-0 and scored a hat-trick. It puts everything into perspective.”
Conor Chaplin celebrates, wielding both hands in the air following the dramatic win over Southampton in April
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No-one has more goals under Kieran McKenna at Ipswich than Chaplin.
Chaplin added: “Becoming a Premier League player means everything. It’s what I’ve dreamt of since I was a little boy.
“We’re really close to that, but we know those dreams can only be affected by the next game. Everyone is in the same boat and a lot of the boys have that dream similar to me.”
Ipswich’s next match is at Hull at 20:00 BST on Saturday – three hours after all the day’s other Championship matches have finished. It could mean Ipswich start the match in fourth place in the table if Southampton win their next two games.
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