Ipswich Appoint Gary O'Neil as New Manager for Premier League Campaign

Ipswich Town have announced the appointment of Gary O'Neil as their new manager, tasked with leading the club back to the Premier League. The 43-year-old replaces Kieran McKenna, who recently stepped down after guiding the Tractor Boys to promotion.

McKenna's surprise departure after five years at Portman Road prompted a swift search for a successor. O'Neil, who has previous Premier League experience with Bournemouth and Wolves, was sacked by Wolves in December 2024 and most recently managed Strasbourg, where he guided the French side to the Conference League semi-finals.

What was said

O'Neil expressed his excitement in an official statement, saying: "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."

He added: "There is a strong vision and ambition at this club and I am fully aware of the responsibility that brings, given how much it means to its supporters and to the community of Ipswich and Suffolk."

Backroom staff and season ahead

O'Neil will be joined by his backroom staff from Strasbourg, including Tim Jenkins, Neil Critchley, and Ed Ames, after compensation was agreed with the Ligue 1 club. Former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also among the candidates considered.

Ipswich will return to the Premier League for the 2026/27 season after bouncing straight back from the Championship. They are set to host Sunderland on the opening weekend, August 22.

• Gary O'Neil appointed Ipswich manager after Kieran McKenna stepped down
• O'Neil previously managed Bournemouth, Wolves, and Strasbourg
• He led Strasbourg to the Conference League semi-finals in 2024-25
• Backroom staff includes Tim Jenkins, Neil Critchley, and Ed Ames
• Ipswich begin Premier League season at home to Sunderland on August 22

The club will hope O'Neil's top-flight experience can help them establish themselves in the Premier League after their promotion from the Championship.