BlueCo-owned Strasbourg taken by surprise by Gary O’Neil’s move to Ipswich Town | OneFootball

RC Strasbourg Alsace are in the market for a head coach following Gary O’Neil’s exit. The former Wolverhampton manager has made a return to the Premier League in replacing Kieran McKenna at Ipswich Town. L’Equipe understands that the Ligue 1 outfit has been taken by surprise by O’Neil’s decision to leave after only six months in the job. The outlet reports that the 43-year-old, who was under contract with Strasbourg until 2028, already worked on the Alsatians’ transfer activity this summer amid preparations for next season.

O’Neil replaced Chelsea-bound Liam Rosenior when the latter filled in for Enzo Maresca. L’Equipe adds that the English head coach kept Strasbourg in the dark regarding his talks with Ipswich Town FC. The Tractor Boys reportedly paid a €5m compensation fee to their French counterparts. 

Despite Rosenior’s and O’Neil’s rather abrupt and unexpected exits, Strasbourg are understood to consider the hiring of another English head coach.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval