Ipswich Town Set to Appoint Gary O’Neil as New Head Coach

Ipswich Town are on the brink of appointing Gary O’Neil as their new head coach, moving swiftly to fill the void left by Kieran McKenna’s surprise departure.

The 43-year-old Strasbourg boss is poised to take charge at Portman Road, with only compensation between the clubs left to finalise. That is not expected to derail the move, and Ipswich’s hierarchy are working on the assumption that O’Neil will be in the dugout when the club returns to the Premier League.

From Strasbourg to Suffolk

O’Neil’s stock has risen sharply over the past few seasons. Strasbourg finished eighth in Ligue 1 under his watch last term and went on a memorable run to the Europa Conference League semi-finals, where they fell to Rayo Vallecano. It was the first time the French club had ever reached the last four of a European competition, a landmark that did not go unnoticed in England.

Strasbourg had been confident of keeping him after his arrival in January, but the lure of a Premier League return has proved decisive. O’Neil has been out of the English top flight since leaving Wolves in December 2024, and Ipswich are ready to hand him the chance to re-establish himself at that level.

His appointment would also reunite him with Ipswich chief executive Mark Ashton. The pair previously crossed paths at Bristol City, where O’Neil played during Ashton’s time at Ashton Gate. That relationship has helped fuel Ipswich’s long-standing admiration for the former Bournemouth and Wolves manager.

The backroom picture is already taking shape. Tim Jenkins and Neil Critchley are expected to follow O’Neil from France to Suffolk, strengthening the coaching team as Ipswich gear up for life back among the elite.

Solskjaer in the frame, O’Neil the chosen man

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also seriously considered for the role this week. The former Manchester United manager held interest, but Ipswich’s focus quickly narrowed on O’Neil once it became clear he was open to a move.

Club officials have tracked him for some time, with their interest first surfacing publicly earlier this month. His recent European exploits and prior Premier League experience made him an appealing blend of fresh ideas and top-level know-how for a club stepping back onto the biggest stage.

Following a tough act

Whoever walked into Portman Road this summer was always going to follow a formidable act.

McKenna, 40, transformed Ipswich after taking charge in 2021. He delivered three promotions in four seasons, two of them propelling the Tractor Boys from League One to the Premier League. Last season’s second-place finish in the Championship sealed their return to the top flight and turned McKenna into one of the most admired young coaches in the country.

His departure stunned many around the club. McKenna had been linked with the Fulham vacancy after Marco Silva’s exit, but instead chose to walk away from Town altogether, citing a desire to step back from the game and spend more time with his family.

“I feel this is the right time for me to step aside,” he said. “I do so with great pride at the incredible progress we have made and with huge hope and optimism for the future of the club.”

That “future” is about to be placed in O’Neil’s hands. Ipswich are back in the Premier League, ambitious, and emotionally charged after McKenna’s era. The next question is simple, and ruthless in its clarity: can O’Neil turn a remarkable rise into a sustained top-flight presence?