Gary O'Neil has been named the new manager of Ipswich Town on a three-year contract, the club announced today[2026-06-23] [1, 2, 3, 4]. The 43-year-old replaces Kieran McKenna, who stepped down after five seasons in charge to take a break from management [1, 2, 3, 4].
McKenna led Ipswich back to the Premier League by finishing second in the Championship last season, securing promotion for the club [1, 2, 3, 4]. O'Neil expressed pride and excitement about leading Ipswich in the Premier League. "It is an honour to be appointed manager of this great football club," he said. "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. We all know the challenge ahead as we prepare for the season together and I’m excited to meet everyone and get to work" [1, 2, 3].
O'Neil brings Premier League experience, having managed Wolves and Bournemouth, where he successfully secured survival for both clubs [2, 4]. Earlier this year, he managed Strasbourg from January until recently, leading them to eighth place in Ligue 1 and guiding them to the Europa Conference League semi-finals [1, 2, 4]. He will be joined at Ipswich by coaches Tim Jenkins and Neil Critchley, who worked with him in France [1, 3].
Ipswich Town open their Premier League season at home against Sunderland on August 22, 2026 [1].
