Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna believes his team can bloom in spring for the third season in a row.

The Blues won one league game in eight during a sticky December to mid-February period in 2022/23, but went on to storm their way to League One promotion.

They won just one league game in nine during a difficult spell at exactly the same time of the 2024/24 campaign, but once again kicked on to finish second – this time in the Championship.

Saturday’s gritty 1-1 draw at Aston Villa made it one Premier League win in nine, with the hope being that Ipswich will once again hit their best form for the run-in.

“It’s something we’re aware of and something that we’ve spoken to the group about,” said McKenna.

“I don’t think it’s a coincidence how similar the last two seasons were to each other given how quickly we’ve climbed.Ipswich Town are fighting for Premier League survival (Image: PA)

“We had strong first halves of the season, where we were wringing a lot out of the group, then got to a period where the group probably needed a boost. 0:00

Town signed four players in January – Ben Godfrey, Jaden Philogene, Julio Enciso and Alex Palmer – and are close to having the likes of Sammie Szmodics and Conor Chaplin available again after injuries.

“Adding players in January is a necessity when you’ve climbed really, really quickly, but it can be tricky as well. It doesn’t always accelerate you straight away,” said McKenna, whose side host Tottenham on Saturday, then travel to Manchester United next Wednesday.

“Actually, in the last couple of seasons, we probably took a step back when we made some additions as there’s a period where new players are settling into the team. It’s about working through that, being consistent with your work and keeping belief.

“If you do that, then margins can change pretty quickly. I don’t think we’re going to suddenly win nine out of 10 games in the Premier League this year, but I think sticking together and fighting to improve little details can turn some more margins our way.”