Gary O’Neil returns to Premier League as Ipswich manager on three-year deal | OneFootball

Ipswich have appointed former Wolves boss Gary O’Neil as manager as they prepare for a Premier League return. The club said the 43-year-old, who was in charge at French side Strasbourg, has signed a three-year deal running to summer 2029.

He called the role an honour, said he had tracked the club’s progress and is excited to lead Ipswich in the top flight.

O’Neil took over at Wolves in August 2023 and left with the side 19th, four points behind fourth-bottom Crystal Palace, after a 2-1 home loss to Ipswich that made it four league defeats in a row and 11 in 16.

The previous season he guided Wolves to 14th, with wins over Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, and an FA Cup quarter-final. A late turnaround by then Championship side Coventry City ended hopes of Wembley and, despite a new long-term deal, he later departed.

He arrives as Kieran McKenna’s replacement after McKenna announced earlier this month he would step down after five years. McKenna led Ipswich to automatic promotion from the Championship at the end of last season, 12 months after relegation.

At Strasbourg, O’Neil reached the semi-finals of the Conference League and the Coupe de France. He becomes the 20th manager in Ipswich’s 90-year history.

He will be assisted by Tim Jenkins, Neil Critchley and Ed Ames, who worked with him in France. He also spoke of the club’s vision, his responsibility to supporters and the challenge ahead.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com