A fresh chapter opens for Ipswich Town as summer 2026 arrives, their team deeper now – not only sharper on the ball, yet tougher in mindset – shaped by Kieran McKenna’s quiet guidance.

Ahead lies a defining stretch: if it’s another season among England’s elite or a return down below, decisions must come fast, focused, around who truly holds up the spine of this group.

First up in this series – goalkeepers and defenders. They’re the ones building Ipswich’s foundation, forming how the team holds its ground at the back. What stands out is their role in defining the way defence looks here.

Last October changed things, but until then, Palmer played just like Ipswich imagined. Cool under pressure, steady in charge, never rattled. Teammates lean on him – he reads the game well when moving the ball, steps up boldly when dealing with danger near the goal.

Fresh off recovery, he slots straight into contention for 2026/27. Looks like the top position is within reach again, everything lines up that way.

It wasn’t loud or flashy, Walton’s return was easy to overlook unless you were really watching. Yet somehow, it became one of those quiet stories...