Gary O'Neil has been appointed Ipswich Town's new manager on a three-year deal, returning to the Premier League after leaving French side Strasbourg for a fee of 5m euros (£4.3m) including add-ons.
The 43-year-old replaces Kieran McKenna, who stepped down earlier this month despite leading Ipswich back to the top flight by finishing second in the Championship last season. McKenna had taken charge in 2021 and guided the Tractor Boys to three promotions in four seasons.
“Gary O'Neil signs three-year deal to become Ipswich manager after Kieran McKenna's departure.”
O'Neil left Strasbourg, part of the BlueCo stable that owns Chelsea, just six months after joining in January. He guided the Ligue 1 side to eighth place and a historic run to the Europa Conference League semi-finals, where they lost to Rayo Vallecano.
"It is an honour to be appointed manager of this great football club," said O'Neil, who will be joined by coaches Tim Jenkins and Neil Critchley after working with them in France. "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."
O'Neil's return to English football comes after spells at Bournemouth (ending June 2023) and Wolves, where he was dismissed in December 2024. Last November he came close to returning to Wolves but pulled out at the 11th hour amid reservations.
Former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had also been in the running for the Ipswich job. O'Neil has a longstanding relationship with Ipswich chief executive Mark Ashton, who was involved in signing him at Bristol City during O'Neil's playing career.
"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," O'Neil said. "We all know the challenge ahead as we prepare for the season together and I'm excited to meet everyone and get to work."
O'Neil, who counts Ipswich's rivals Norwich among his former clubs as a player, outlined his approach: "I have managed three teams, and they have all had a similar style. I am willing to adapt, but I have things I am not willing to adapt – things that I am very keen on. I want my team to express themselves on the ball."
He added: "The real focus is to get enough points. 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."