Ipswich Town have appointed Gary O’Neil as their new manager, signing the former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss to a three-year deal. O’Neil arrives at Portman Road following his departure from French club Strasbourg, where he had been in charge since January. The move marks his return to the Premier League after 18 months away from England’s top flight.
Strasbourg received a compensation fee believed to be worth 5 million euros (£4.3 million) including add-ons, with O’Neil having had two years remaining on his contract at the Ligue 1 side. During his time in France, he guided Strasbourg to an eighth-place finish in Ligue 1 and led them to the Europa Conference League semi-finals — the club’s first-ever last-four appearance in European competition — where they were ultimately beaten by Rayo Vallecano. O’Neil will be joined at Ipswich by coaches Tim Jenkins and Neil Critchley, both of whom worked alongside him in France.
O’Neil expressed his excitement about taking charge at Ipswich, stating: “It is an honour to be appointed manager of this great football club. I have followed the progress the club has made over the last few years closely, and to now have the opportunity to lead Ipswich Town in the Premier League is something I am hugely excited by.” The former midfielder also noted a personal connection to the club’s chief executive, Mark Ashton, having previously played under him at Bristol City when Ashton held the same role at Ashton Gate.
The 40-year-old O’Neil outlined his managerial philosophy and ambitions for the club, saying he wants his team to “express themselves on the ball” while also acknowledging there are certain principles he is unwilling to compromise on. He made clear that survival is not the only objective, stating: “This club is not looking to just achieve safety, the aim is to grow and achieve more. It has been in Europe before and won in Europe. It is a big, big football club that can do special things.”
O’Neil replaces Kieran McKenna, who stepped down despite an impressive tenure that saw him take charge of Ipswich in 2021 and deliver three promotions in four seasons, including two that brought the club into the Premier League. McKenna’s final campaign saw Ipswich finish second in the Championship to secure their return to the top flight. O’Neil now inherits the task of consolidating Ipswich’s Premier League status and building on the foundations laid by his predecessor.
Image credit: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
