O'Neil signs three-year deal as new Ipswich boss

Ipswich Town has appointed former Wolves and Bournemouth manager Gary O'Neil as their new head coach, securing his services on a three-year deal. The 43-year-old succeeds Kieran McKenna, who departed the Portman Road club earlier in June.

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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.

O'Neil arrives at Ipswich from French side Strasbourg, where he had been in charge since January. The French club reportedly received a fee of approximately 5 million euros, including add-ons, for O'Neil, who had two years remaining on his contract. Last season, he led Strasbourg to an eighth-place finish in Ligue 1 and reached the Europa Conference League semi-finals.

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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.

"It is an honour to be appointed manager of this great football club," O'Neil stated. "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 emphasized the club's strong vision and ambition, acknowledging the responsibility that comes with managing a club so deeply cherished by its supporters and the wider community of Ipswich and Suffolk.

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We all know the challenge ahead as we prepare for the season together and I'm excited to meet everyone and get to work.

O'Neil, who previously managed Bournemouth and had a spell at Wolves, returns to the Premier League after an 18-month absence. He aims to build on the club's recent success, with Ipswich having secured promotion back to the top flight under McKenna. The new manager expressed his desire for his team to express themselves on the ball while maintaining a strong focus on securing enough points to achieve more than just safety in the league. Ipswich will begin their Premier League campaign at home against Sunderland on August 22.

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I have managed three teams, and they have all had a similar style. I am willing to adapt, but I have things I am not willing to adapt - things that I am very keen on. I want my team to express themselves on the ball.