Ipswich Town confirm appointment of Gary O'Neil as new manager with former Norwich City midfielder replacing Kieran McKenna
Updated 23/06/2026 at 17:08 GMT+1
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Gary O'Neil has been confirmed as Ipswich Town's new manager, with the former Norwich City midfielder replacing Kieran McKenna at Portman Road. Northern Irishman McKenna stepped down after guiding the team back to the Premier League.
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O'Neil departs Ligue 1 club Strasbourg having only been appointed in January as Liam Rosenior's successor, after Rosenior left to join sister club Chelsea.
O'Neil was sacked by Wolves in December 2024, and previously had a year-long spell at Bournemouth in the 2022/23 season, helping the south coast club avoid relegation before being sacked and replaced by Andoni Iraola.
"It is an honour to be appointed manager of this great football club," O’Neil told the club's official website.
"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.”
During his playing career, O'Neil spent two years at Ipswich's East Anglian rivals Norwich City, between 2014 and 2016.
The 43-year-old's appointment comes after McKenna made the decision earlier this month to take time out of football following a hugely successful spell at Portman Road.
The former Manchester United assistant manager guided the Tractor Boys to three promotions in four-and-a-half years, having replaced Paul Cook in December 2021 when the club were in League One.
Back-to-back promotions meant a return to the Premier League for the first time in 22 years, but Ipswich were relegated after only one win in their final 19 matches.
McKenna was monitored by others clubs, but opted to stay on and help regain promotion at the first opportunity, which was sealed after a 3-0 final-day win over QPR.
In a statement, McKenna - who has been linked with the vacancy at Fulham - said he was ready to spend some time with his family.
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Kieran McKenna after Ipswich's latest promotion
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"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.
"After giving so much to the role over the previous five seasons, I now look forward to taking a break from management and dedicating some time to my family, who have been with me every step of my career so far."
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But Ipswich have now appointed McKenna's successor, with club chair Mark Ashton revealing that O'Neil's track record of developing players was a key factor behind his appointment.
"He is a manager who has been on our radar for some time," said Ashton. "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.
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Gary O'Neil in action for Norwich City in 2016
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”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.”
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