Ipswich Town have announced that Conor Chaplin will leave the club this summer, bringing to a close one of the most important and popular chapters in the modern era at Portman Road.
Conor departs after playing a vital role in everything the club has accomplished since Kieran McKenna’s resurrection in 2021, including back-to-back promotions that propelled Ipswich from League One to the Premier League.
A player that helped change the club’s story
Chaplin’s statistics tell a tale of endurance, excellence, and big-moment greatness:
With 174 appearances, 55 goals, and a collection of goals that defined Ipswich Town’s ascent, he was instrumental in the club’s progress.
His 26 league goals in 2022/23 earned him a share of the League One Golden Boot, and his 13 Championship goals the following season helped propel Town back into the Premier League for the first time in nearly a quarter of a century.
However, the figures do not tell the complete story. Conor was a heartthrob player, a locker room leader, a standard-setter on the training field, and a representation of the culture McKenna established.
Conor’s Emotional Farewell: “The Best Period of My Life”
Conor gave a passionate message to supporters, describing what Ipswich Town has meant to him and his family.
“Playing for Ipswich Town has been the finest time of my life,” Conor said.
“We’ve accomplished so much together, and my dreams have come true while playing for the club. “I have made lifetime friendships here, my two children were born here, and I will never forget my time in Ipswich,” she adds.
He proudly discussed the club’s progress and his contribution to it.
“Winning two promotions and then playing in the Premier League is something that everyone should be very proud of. ” I’m also really proud of the work we’ve accomplished together at the Foundation; the club’s community impact is a major factor in what distinguishes Ipswich Town.
And, as always, he reserved his greatest appreciation for the supporters.
- McKenna said, “A Massive Part of the Club’s Growth“
Town manager Kieran McKenna praised a player who was essential to Ipswich’s development.
“Conor has played an important role in the football club’s development and success during his tenure. His outstanding goalscoring and all-round performances have contributed significantly to many great wins and memorable occasions in the club’s history. “
However, McKenna also emphasized the characteristics that do not appear on a statistics sheet.
“His professionalism, ambition, empathy, and leadership have all played important roles in the culture established at the football club. He departs with our appreciation and complete respect. ”
Ashton said of him: “He Set the Standard”.
Town Chairman Mark Ashton agreed, emphasizing Conor’s on- and off-field contributions.
“Conor has been an excellent representative for this football club throughout his time here… His off-the-pitch contributions have also been considerable, most notably as a Foundation Trustee. He has established a high bar for player participation with the community. ”
A legacy written in goals, moments, and memories.
From his debut against Morecambe to his final Premier League appearance, Chaplin’s career at Ipswich has been marked by memorable moments for fans:
The hat-trick against Charlton during the 2022/23 climb.
The legendary goals against Peterborough, Barnsley, and Exeter secured promotion.
QPR, Sheffield Wednesday, Swansea, and Blackburn were the key winners.
His first Premier League goal came against Bournemouth at Portman Road.
The leadership and humility that made him a fan favorite long before the goals.
Even his loan stint at Portsmouth in 2025/26, assisting his childhood club stay in the Championship, seemed like a suitable conclusion for a player who has always conducted himself with dignity.
A Modern Ipswich Town Legend
Conor Chaplin departs Ipswich Town as one of the club’s most important modern-day players, having helped to bring the team back to where it belongs while wearing the jersey with dignity every day.
He leaves with gratitude, love, and respect from everyone associated with Ipswich Town.
And wherever his career takes him next, he will always have a home at Portman Road.
