Gary O'Neil takes charge at Ipswich on three-year deal for Premier League return

Ipswich Town have confirmed Gary O’Neil as their new manager, signing the 43-year-old to a three-year deal that runs until the summer of 2029 as the club prepares for life back in the Premier League.

O’Neil arrives at Portman Road following the departure of Kieran McKenna, who stepped down earlier this month after five years in charge. McKenna had guided Ipswich to automatic promotion from the Championship at the end of last season before leaving the club.

The new manager brings considerable experience across English and European football. O’Neil previously managed Bournemouth and Wolves in the Premier League before taking charge of French side Strasbourg, where he led the club to the semi-finals of the Conference League and the Coupe de France. He becomes only the 20th manager in Ipswich’s 90-year history.

“It is an honour to be appointed manager of this great football club,” O’Neil said in a statement on the club’s official website. “I have followed the progress the club has made over the last few years closely and to now have the opportunity to lead Ipswich in the Premier League is something I am hugely excited by.”

O’Neil will be joined by backroom staff who worked alongside him at Strasbourg — Tim Jenkins, Neil Critchley, and Ed Ames will all form part of his coaching setup at Portman Road.

“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 added. “We all know the challenge ahead as we prepare for the season together and I’m excited to meet everyone and get to work.”

Ipswich open their Premier League campaign on 22 August, hosting Sunderland at Portman Road. That is followed by a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United, before Liverpool visit Portman Road in their first home fixture of September.

The club were relegated after a single Premier League season in 2025 and will be looking to O’Neil to secure a longer stay in the top flight this time around.