Gary O’Neil speaks for the first time on the decision to become the new manager of Ipswich Town, replacing Kieran McKenna.
David Ornstein reported last week that the Tractorboys had been working to finalise the appointment after holding positive talks with the 43 year old and BlueCo.
Ipswich, who had also considered Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Carlos Corberán, paid compensation for O’Neil.
O’Neil is well regarded for work at Bournemouth, Wolverhampton Wanderers and RC Strasbourg, who who lost in the Conference League semi final to Rayo Vallecano, and finished 8th in Ligue 1.
🗣️ “Belief is a big factor.”
Gary O’Neil has delivered his first message to everyone connected with Ipswich Town. 💪💙 pic.twitter.com/lqrpkGuHvr
— Ipswich Town (@IpswichTown) June 23, 2026
His new club said in a statement on their website: “Ipswich Town Football Club is delighted to confirm the appointment of Gary O’Neil as Manager.
“The 43-year-old, who is the 20th manager in the Blues’ 90-year professional history, arrives at Portman Road from French side Strasbourg, signing a three-year deal to the summer of 2029.
“O’Neil guided Strasbourg to the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League last season – the first time the club had ever reached the last four of a European competition – and oversaw an eighth-place finish in Ligue 1.
“Prior to his move to France, he managed both Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League, securing 15th and 14th-place finishes in his first seasons with the two sides respectively, securing their top-flight status on both occasions.
“He will be joined at Portman Road by Tim Jenkins, Neil Critchley and Ed Ames, who all join the Town backroom staff having worked alongside O’Neil at Strasbourg.
“It is an honour to be appointed Manager of this great football club,” Gary O’Neil 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 Town in the Premier League is something I am hugely excited by.
“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.”
Watch the press conference in full below…
Chairman Mark Ashton said: “I am delighted to be able to welcome Gary to Ipswich Town.
“He is a manager who has been on our radar for some time and, following a thorough and robust process, during which we met with a wide range of candidates, it became clear he was the leading candidate for the position.
“He is highly motivated, highly regarded, has an incredible attention to detail and tactical knowledge and is an excellent coach with a real track record of improving players.
“Despite being just a few years into his managerial career, he has already shown he knows what is required to succeed in the Premier League at both Bournemouth and Wolves, while also leading Strasbourg to a European semi-final last season.
“He brings a hunger and desire to succeed at the top level of the game and, with the full support of everyone at the club, I am excited to see what we can achieve together.”
The club continued: “Before beginning his coaching career, O’Neil enjoyed an extensive playing career and featured in the Premier League more than 200 times for clubs including Portsmouth, West Ham United, and Middlesbrough. He first stepped into coaching six years ago within the Liverpool academy set-up, before joining Scott Parker’s backroom staff at Bournemouth in 2021.
“He played his part in the Cherries earning promotion from the Championship, then just four games into the 2022/23 season was appointed interim head coach at Vitality Stadium. The club’s upturn in form saw him offered the role permanently in November, and he went on to oversee a strong campaign as the South Coast side comfortably retained their position in the Premier League.
“He departed at the conclusion of that season but, just a few days before the beginning of the 2023/24 campaign, was back in the dugout with Wolves, where he enjoyed a successful season which saw his side finish 14th in the Premier League and reach the last eight of the FA Cup.
“O’Neil’s next role was in France with Strasbourg in January of 2026, where he secured victories over the likes of Monaco and Lyon in Ligue 1, alongside a run to the last four of the Europa Conference League.”
Here’s how fans reacted as Gary O’Neil speaks for the first time on the decision to become the new Ipswich Town manager…
@Spok4_: O’Neil presser impressed me I must say #itfc
@coybitfc: We’re going to get behind Gary and we are staying up 💙🤍 Everyone involved with town should back him as much as we wanted Ole!! I believe he’s going to keep us up! #ITFC #garyoneil
@AlexOsborn25: Caught a bit of the press conference. Gary O’Neil speaks very well and oozes confidence. An exciting summer ahead to whip us into shape for the Prem #itfc
@HDavies1804: Very impressed with how O’Neil comes across, speaks really well and has clearly done his research on and off the field. Glad it’s finally confirmed. Time for us to all get behind our new manager and hopefully look forward to some good memories next season. Uppa Towen! 🙌 #ITFC
@Curtiswb123: Think he spoke really well, his got a big opportunity now! To keep us where we belong! #itfc
@hannahdarbysh: Very positive with O’Neil especially with this presser #itfc
@R_J_M_11: Welcome to the club. Now time for the fans to get behind the new manager & players. No time for fan negativity, that is what will send us down, not O’Neil. #itfc
@camwright1405: #itfc was underwhelmed when news broke that O’Neil was to be the new manager but hearing from him in the press conference he speaks so well seems very positive just need to get behind him now and hope all things work out UPPA TOWN !! 🔵⚪️
@Ipswichislife78: Very impressive first press conference, love how he kept saying abt adapting which is what we really lacked under Mckenna. He’s talked the talk, now walk the walk Gary. #Itfc
@ImmenseITFC: Really encouraged! Honestly, get behind him or go ‘support’ another club 👏 #itfc
@FrayBarnard: Wouldn’t have been my first choice but I can see why he was chosen. Impressive first presser. Now let the transfers commence. I think he’ll have more pull than McKenna 🔵⚪️ #itfc
