Ben Johnson: Committed to Ipswich Promotion Despite Reduced Role
Ipswich Town defender Ben Johnson has opened up about his decision to remain at Portman Road following the club’s relegation and his current struggle for consistent first-team minutes. Despite being touted as a marquee signing when he joined in 2024, the 26-year-old has found himself on the periphery of Kieran McKenna’s squad this season.
Choosing Loyalty Over a Summer Exit
Following Ipswich’s drop from the Premier League, many expected Johnson—a UEFA Europa Conference League winner—to seek a top-flight move elsewhere. Instead, he doubled down on his commitment to the Blues.
- Motivation: Johnson is driven by the prospect of adding a promotion to his resume.
- The Quote: “I feel that being at Ipswich, I really enjoy it… if I could get promoted with Ipswich at such a historic club, I’d definitely look back on that with a lot of joy and pride.”
- Summer Outlook: He entered pre-season with no intention of leaving, focused solely on helping the club return to the Premier League.
Navigating a Period of Patience
Johnson’s reality this season has been starkly different from his 14 starts last term. With Darnell Furlong cementing the right-back spot, Johnson has been limited to just four league starts. However, the defender remains philosophical about his situation.
- The Walton Example: Johnson points to teammate Christian Walton as a blueprint for success through patience. Walton overcame injury setbacks to reclaim his spot and prove his quality.
- Versatility as a Tool: Though his primary role is at right-back, Johnson’s ability to cover left-back and right-wing makes him a valuable utility man for McKenna. He maintains that he is happy to play wherever he can contribute to the team’s success.
Praise for January Arrivals and Promotion Push
As Ipswich intensifies its pursuit of the Championship’s top spots, Johnson highlighted the immediate impact of new signings Anis Mehmeti and Dan Neil.
- Anis Mehmeti: Credited for his creativity and “dangerous” delivery that forced an own goal in the recent victory over Derby County.
- Dan Neil: Praised for his game management and ability to control the midfield during crucial moments.
Maintaining Momentum
Despite a disappointing FA Cup exit at Wrexham, Johnson believes the team’s recent “huge win” against Derby County provides the necessary momentum for their upcoming return to league action in North Wales. The victory was essential to keep the pressure on the top two teams, especially after weather-related postponements disrupted the squad’s rhythm earlier in the month.
