Gary O'Neil is on the cusp of an unlikely return to Ipswich Town, with the 43-year-old manager reportedly set to swap life in France for a second stint at Portman Road. The former Premier League boss looks poised to leave Strasbourg after guiding them to a respectable eighth-place finish in Ligue 1 and a UEFA Conference League semi-final spot.
The wheels are in motion, with O'Neil understood to be close to finalising his return to English football, stepping into the shoes left vacant by Kieran McKenna's departure. A reunion with Mark Ashton, Ipswich's chief executive, is likely a key factor in O'Neil's decision to head back to the East of England. Their working relationship dates back to Ashton's role in securing O'Neil at Bristol City during his playing days.
O'Neil's pedigree includes time at Portsmouth, where he began his career, and Southampton, with whom he held discussions last year about a potential managerial role. His playing stint at Norwich City – Ipswich's East Anglian rivals – will also raise eyebrows among the Blues faithful. But it's O'Neil's success in France that has piqued their interest.
While the Strasbourg manager's future becomes clearer, Craig Bellamy's is still shrouded in uncertainty. The former Wales international appears to be Burnley's top target for the vacant head coach role after Scott Parker's departure. A return to club management beckons, despite his stated ambitions to lead the Welsh national team.
Bellamy has not hidden his desire to succeed at club level, with a stint at Scottish giants Celtic also considered in recent months. His potential appointment would see him take on his first permanent managerial role, ending speculation about his future as the Euro 2028 deadline looms large in Cardiff.