Gary O’Neil ‘hugely excited by opportunity’ after becoming Ipswich manager
By Damian Spellman, Press Association
Ipswich have unveiled Gary O’Neil as their new manager as they prepare for their return to the Premier League.
The 43-year-old, who was in charge at French club Strasbourg, has signed a three-year deal which will take him up to the summer of 2029.
O’Neil told the club’s official website: “It is an honour to be appointed manager of this great football club.
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“I have followed the progress the club has made over the last few years closely and to now have the opportunity to lead Ipswich in the Premier League is something I am hugely excited by.”
O’Neil arrives at Portman Road as Kieran McKenna’s replacement after he announced his decision to step down from his role after five years earlier this month.
McKenna guided Ipswich to automatic promotion from the Sky Bet Championship at the end of last season 12 months after their relegation from the top flight.
Former Bournemouth and Wolves boss O’Neil, who took Strasbourg to the semi-finals of European football’s Conference League and the Coupe de France, is just the 20th manager in the club’s 90-year history.
He will be assisted by Tim Jenkins, Neil Critchley and Ed Ames, who all join the backroom staff having worked alongside him in France.
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.”
Chairman Mark Ashton revealed O’Neil had been in the club’s sights for some time and is confident he can take them to new heights.
He said: “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.”
