 Bobby Robson was replaced at Ipswich by his chief coach , Bobby Ferguson . Ferguson made the transition from coach to manager in July 1982 , but some success in the various cup competitions was offset by an end to the high league positions the club had enjoyed under Robson . In the three seasons from 1982 – 83 to 1984 – 85 , Ipswich reached the FA Cup quarter @-@ final and League Cup semi @-@ final in 1985 , but declined in the league , finishing 9th , 12th and 17th . In the following season , the team 's league form was even poorer , resulting in a 20th @-@ place finish and relegation to the Second Division . Ipswich finished fifth in the Second Division in the 1986 – 87 season to qualify for the play @-@ offs , but Ferguson resigned after losing to 2 – 1 on aggregate to Charlton Athletic . 
