Ipswich Town have moved decisively in their preparations for a return to the Premier League by appointing Gary O’Neil as their new manager. The 43-year-old, who most recently managed French Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, has signed a three-year contract that will keep him at Portman Road until the summer of 2029. The club confirmed the appointment on their official website, marking a significant step as they look to establish themselves back in the top flight after securing promotion.
O’Neil brings a blend of Premier League experience and tactical acumen from his time at Bournemouth, where he kept the Cherries in the division against the odds, and a stint in France that broadened his coaching repertoire. Speaking upon his unveiling, O’Neil expressed his pride in taking the reins at a club he has watched closely in recent seasons. “It is an honour to be appointed manager of this great football club,” he said. “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.”
The appointment signals Ipswich’s intent to build on the momentum of their rise under previous management, with O’Neil tasked not just with surviving but with forging a competitive identity in England’s top tier. His three-year deal provides stability and a clear mandate to shape the squad ahead of a demanding campaign. For a club steeped in history but returning after a