Ipswich Town appoint Gary O’Neil as manager on a three-year contract
Gary O’Neil has been appointed as the new manager of Ipswich Town on a three-year contract, replacing Kieran McKenna ahead of the club’s Premier League return.
The 43-year-old arrives at Portman Road after leaving French Ligue 1 side Strasbourg following a brief six-month spell in charge.
He takes over from McKenna, who stepped down to spend more time with his family after successfully guiding the Suffolk outfit back to the top flight.
Navigating the top-flight return
The newly appointed boss faces a demanding pre-season as he looks to bolster a squad that previously struggled with the physical demands of top-tier football.
During their last Premier League campaign two seasons ago, the Tractor Boys managed just four victories all term and finished second from bottom.
However, the former Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach possesses significant experience in galvanising squads under challenging circumstances.
He previously steered Wolves away from relegation danger despite arriving late in the summer window, a pragmatic approach he will likely need to replicate in East Anglia.
Rival ties and a demanding start
The decision to hire the former midfielder may require an early charm offensive with the Portman Road fanbase.
The Englishman notably made 51 appearances for arch-rivals Norwich City between 2014 and 2016.
A challenging set of opening fixtures awaits the new regime, offering little room for a slow start to the upcoming 2026-27 campaign.
The season begins with a home clash against Sunderland on 22 August, before daunting tests against traditional heavyweights.
Ipswich Town’s opening five Premier League fixtures:
- 22 August – Sunderland (Home)
- 29 August – Manchester United (Away)
- 5 September – Liverpool (Home)
- 12 September – Crystal Palace (Away)
- 19 September – Everton (Away)
