Ipswich Town announced on June 23, 2026, the appointment of Gary O'Neil as the club's new manager, signing him to a contract that extends until 2029. O'Neil, 43, replaces Kieran McKenna, who stepped down from his position as manager.

O'Neil joins Ipswich Town from Strasbourg, where he was previously the manager. Strasbourg received a fee believed to be worth 5 million euros including add-ons for O'Neil's transfer. During his time at Strasbourg, the club finished eighth in Ligue 1 in the previous season and reached the Europa Conference League semi-finals, losing to Rayo Vallecano.

Tim Jenkins and Neil Critchley will join O'Neil's coaching staff at Ipswich Town. O'Neil has previous managerial experience in England with Wolves and Bournemouth, leaving Wolves in December 2024. He is the 20th manager in Ipswich Town's 90-year professional history.

"It is an honour to be appointed manager of this great football club," 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."

Ipswich Town finished second in the Championship in the previous season and is scheduled to play Sunderland in their opening Premier League match on August 22.

Kieran McKenna, who took charge of Ipswich Town in 2021, led the team to three promotions in four seasons. "I feel this is the right time for me to step aside," McKenna 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."

O'Neil's immediate focus is clear. "The real focus is to get enough points," he said.