Ipswich have unveiled Gary O’Neil as their new manager as they prepare for their return to the Premier League. The 43-year-old, who was in charge at French club Strasbourg, has signed a three-year deal which will take him up to the summer of 2029.
O’Neil told the club’s website: “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 Portman Road as Kieran McKenna’s replacement after he announced his decision to step down from his role after five years earlier this month. McKenna guided Ipswich to automatic promotion from the Championship at the end of last season 12 months after their relegation from the top flight.
Former Bournemouth and Wolves manager O’Neil, who took Strasbourg to the semi-finals of European football’s Conference League and the Coupe de France, is just the 20th manager in the club’s 90-year history. He will be assisted by Tim Jenkins, Neil Critchley and Ed Ames, who all join the backroom staff having worked alongside him in France.
Chair Mark Ashton revealed O’Neil had been in the club’s sights for some time and is confident he can take them to new heights.
He said: “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 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.”Elsewhere, Aaron Ramsey has been appointed head coach at Oxford. The 35-year-old former Wales international replaces Matt Bloomfield, who was sacked after the club lost their Championship status at the end of last season.
Ramsey, who won 86 caps during a playing career which included spells with Cardiff, Arsenal, Juventus and Rangers, has cut his teeth in coaching with his national team and a spell in interim charge of the Bluebirds.
He told Oxford’s website: “From my discussions with the club, I can sense the ambition and desire for success, which gives me great excitement about this opportunity. This is a moment I have been preparing for over many years.” Ramsey, whose coaching staff will be announced in due course, won the FA Cup three times with Arsenal, Serie A and the Coppa Italia as a Juve player and the Scottish Cup while on loan at Rangers.
