Portugal Colonial - Ipswich hire Gary O'Neil as manager

Englishman O'Neil arrives from French club Strasbourg on a three-year contract.

The 43-year-old took Strasbourg into the UEFA Conference League semi-finals last season –- the first time the team 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, O'Neil managed both Bournemouth and Wolves in the Premier League, securing their top-flight status in his first seasons with both clubs.

Survival will be O'Neil's aim in the coming campaign after Ipswich won promotion from the Championship on the last day of the season as McKenna's men pipped Millwall to second place.

McKenna, who was unable to keep Ipswich in the Premier League in the 2024-25 season, surprisingly quit on June 10 after five years at Portman Road.

"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," O'Neil 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."

P.Mira--PC