Ipswich Town have officially named Gary O'Neil as their new manager, as the club prepares for its highly anticipated return to the Premier League. The 43-year-old has committed to a three-year contract, which will see him at Portman Road until the summer of 2029. O'Neil arrives following a spell in charge of French club Strasbourg, where he notably guided them to the semi-finals of both the Europa Conference League and the Coupe de France.
Speaking on the club's website, O'Neil conveyed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “It is an honour to be appointed manager of this great football club. 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.” He takes over from Kieran McKenna, who stepped down earlier this month after five successful years, culminating in automatic promotion from the Championship last season.
O'Neil, who previously managed Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League, becomes only the 20th manager in Ipswich Town's 90-year history. He will be joined by Tim Jenkins, Neil Critchley, and Ed Ames, who will form his backroom staff, having worked alongside him during his tenure in France. Ipswich Chair Mark Ashton indicated that O'Neil had been a long-term target for the club, expressing confidence in his ability to elevate Ipswich to new levels.
Ashton commented, “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 added, “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.”
In other managerial news, former Wales international Aaron Ramsey has been appointed head coach at Oxford United. The 35-year-old replaces Matt Bloomfield, who was dismissed after the club's relegation from the Championship. Ramsey, who earned 86 caps for Wales and had a distinguished playing career with clubs like Arsenal and Juventus, has previously gained coaching experience with the Welsh national team and an interim spell at Cardiff City.