Ipswich Town's remarkable climb up the English football pyramid was built on a clear recruitment philosophy forged during their four-year stint in League One, according to BBC News.
Kieran McKenna, who guided the club back to the Championship in 2023, previously revealed Ipswich made a "conscious decision" to steer clear of overseas signings during that period, citing the difficulties of adapting to English lower-league football. Instead, the club focused on domestic talent who understood the physical and tactical demands of League One.
That strategy formed the foundation of a recruitment model that has since powered Ipswich's rise through the divisions, with BBC News tracing the roots of their current approach back to those decisions made in the third tier.
The report highlights how McKenna's early transfer policy helped shape a squad capable of back-to-back promotions, setting the template for the club's continued evolution as they look to build on their progress in English football's top flights.