Ipswich Town confirmed the appointment of Gary O'Neil as their new manager on June 23, 2026. O'Neil, 43, signed a contract with the club that extends until 2029.

O'Neil replaced Kieran McKenna, who stepped down as Ipswich Town manager earlier in June 2026. Ipswich paid a fee, believed to be 5 million euros including add-ons, to Strasbourg for O'Neil's services. Tim Jenkins and Neil Critchley will join O'Neil's coaching staff at Ipswich Town.

O'Neil previously managed Strasbourg, having joined the French club in January 2026. During the 2025-2026 season, Strasbourg finished eighth in Ligue 1 and reached the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League, where they lost to Rayo Vallecano. O'Neil's prior experience includes managing Wolverhampton Wanderers, whom he left in December 2024, and Bournemouth. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also a candidate for the Ipswich Town manager position.

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

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." He added, "We all know the challenge ahead as we prepare for the season together and I'm excited to meet everyone and get to work."

McKenna commented on his departure, saying, "I feel this is the right time for me to step aside." He 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." Ipswich Town finished second in the Championship during the 2024-2025 season. The club will open its Premier League campaign at home against Sunderland on August 22, 2026.