 From 1987 to 1990 , Ipswich Town were managed by John Duncan , but achieved only mid @-@ table finishes each season with the club gaining a reputation as a " competent Second Division side " . Duncan was sacked in June 1990 and was replaced by John Lyall , whose 14 @-@ year reign as West Ham United manager had ended the previous summer . During that time the Hammers had won the FA Cup twice and finished third in the league . Lyall guided Ipswich to a mid @-@ table finish in the 1990 – 91 season but a considerable improvement the following season led to winning the Second Division championship . The team was promoted to join the inaugural season of the FA Premier League . 
