Ipswich Town Targets Strasbourg Coach Gary O'Neil as Premier League Manager
Ipswich Town, recently promoted to the Premier League, is pursuing Strasbourg manager Gary O'Neil to replace the departed Kieran McKenna. O'Neil, 43, joined Strasbourg in January 2026 and led the team to semi-finals in the Conference League and Coupe de France, plus a strong Ligue 1 finish. Reports indicate the deal is nearly finalized, with O'Neil set to leave Strasbourg for Ipswich.
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Strasbourg's Gary O'Neil Betrayal: Coach Left for Ipswich After Hiding Talks
Gary O'Neil has abruptly left Ligue 1 club Strasbourg after only six months as head coach, joining newly promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town on a contract until 2029. The 43-year-old Englishman claimed the move matched his personal ambition, but behind-the-scenes revelations from L'Équipe indicate he misled Strasbourg management. O'Neil allegedly complained about insufficient sporting guarantees, specifically the club's lack of European qualification, and hid his ongoing exchanges with Ipswich during transfer meetings where he claimed to be focused on next season. His sudden departure came as a surprise to the Alsatian club, which will receive €5 million in compensation. Strasbourg's leaders are now reportedly exploring the idea of hiring another English coach, repeating a pattern of instability following Liam Rosenior's earlier departure to Chelsea.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertStrasbourg Considers Hiring New English Coach After O'Neil Departure
Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace (RCSA) has confirmed the departure of head coach Gary O'Neil, who is moving to Ipswich Town in the English Premier League. O'Neil had only arrived in January, replacing Liam Rosenior, and successfully qualified the club for European competition. RCSA management, led by Marc Keller, who also serves as sporting director, is now actively seeking a replacement. According to L'Equipe, the club is likely to hire another British candidate. No specific names have been mentioned, but several coaches have been approached, and a decision could be made in the coming days.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertGary O'Neil leaves RC Strasbourg for Ipswich Town in Premier League move
Less than six months after joining RC Strasbourg in January 2026, English manager Gary O'Neil has left the French club to join newly promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town. The move was confirmed by Strasbourg, which stated that an agreement including a transfer fee was reached between the clubs. O'Neil's tenure at Strasbourg produced a mixed second half of the season, highlighted by a historic run to the Conference League semi-finals (lost 0-2 aggregate to Rayo Vallecano) and a Coupe de France semi-final loss to OGC Nice (0-2). The club finished eighth in Ligue 1, failing to qualify for European competition. O'Neil previously managed Bournemouth and Wolverhampton in the Premier League. Strasbourg announced it will soon name a replacement.
Home Football - actualitésGary O'Neil to lead Ipswich on top-flight return as Oxford appoint Aaron Ramsey
Ipswich Town has appointed Gary O'Neil as their new manager on a three-year contract through summer 2029, succeeding Kieran McKenna as they prepare for the Premier League after winning Championship promotion. O'Neil, 43, previously managed Bournemouth, Wolves, and French club Strasbourg, where he led the team to the semi-finals of the UEFA Conference League and Coupe de France. He will be assisted by Tim Jenkins, Neil Critchley, and Ed Ames. Separately, Oxford United has hired Aaron Ramsey as head coach after the club's relegation from the Championship and the sacking of Matt Bloomfield. Ramsey, a 35-year-old former Wales international with 86 caps, has coaching experience with the Welsh national team and in an interim role at Cardiff City.
Football | The GuardianGary O'Neil appointed Ipswich Town manager; Oxford United hires Aaron Ramsey
Ipswich Town has appointed Gary O'Neil as their new manager on a three-year deal, preparing for their return to the Premier League. The 43-year-old, who previously managed Strasbourg, Bournemouth, and Wolves, replaces Kieran McKenna, who stepped down after guiding Ipswich to automatic promotion from the Championship. O'Neil, the 20th manager in the club's history, will be assisted by Tim Jenkins, Neil Critchley, and Ed Ames from his Strasbourg staff. Ipswich chairman Mark Ashton expressed confidence in O'Neil's ability to succeed in the top flight. Separately, Oxford United has appointed former Wales international Aaron Ramsey as head coach after the club's relegation from the Championship. Ramsey, 35, won 86 caps for Wales and played for Cardiff, Arsenal, Juventus, and Rangers; he has previously coached with the Welsh national team and Cardiff City.
Football | The GuardianOfficial: Gary O'Neil appointed new head coach of Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town, newly promoted to the Premier League, officially announced the appointment of Gary O'Neil as their new head coach on Tuesday. O'Neil joins from French club Strasbourg, with Ipswich paying compensation due to his active contract. He replaces Kieran McKenna, who resigned for personal reasons. O'Neil previously managed Bournemouth and Wolverhampton in the Premier League, securing top-flight survival with both. At Strasbourg, he led the club to the Conference League semi-finals (their best European run) and an eighth-place finish in Ligue 1. O'Neil, who played over 200 Premier League matches for West Ham, Portsmouth, and Middlesbrough, expressed excitement about leading Ipswich. The club chairman stated O'Neil had been closely monitored and emerged as the leading candidate after a rigorous selection process.
FútbolStrasbourg Seeks New Coach After Gary O'Neil's Departure to Ipswich Town
Gary O'Neil has left his role as Strasbourg manager after only six months to join Premier League side Ipswich Town, signing a contract until 2029. O'Neil stated that coaching in the Premier League is the pinnacle of his career and that he could not refuse the opportunity. This marks the second abrupt departure of a British coach from Strasbourg in six months, following Liam Rosenior's move to Chelsea in January. Strasbourg's management, led by President Marc Keller and Sporting Director David Weir, has already contacted several foreign coaches and may again turn to a British candidate. The club received €5 million in compensation for O'Neil. A decision on the new coach is expected within ten days, with pre-season preparations starting on July 8.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuIpswich Town appoint Gary O'Neil as manager after paying €5m release clause
Newly promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town have appointed Gary O'Neil as their new manager, paying €5m to release him from his contract with French club Strasbourg, where he joined in January 2026. O'Neil replaces Kieran McKenna, who chose to leave after achieving promotion, reportedly to avoid a potential relegation battle. O'Neil moves from competing in European competitions with Strasbourg to a survival fight at Ipswich. The 43-year-old English coach had previous Premier League spells at Bournemouth and Wolves. Strasbourg, a sister club of Chelsea under the BlueCo ownership, are now searching for a replacement before their preseason starts on July 8.
CaughtOffsideGary O'Neil appointed Ipswich Town manager ahead of Premier League return
Ipswich Town have appointed Gary O'Neil as their new manager on a three-year deal, as the club prepares for its return to the Premier League. O'Neil, 43, joins from French club Strasbourg, where he led the team to the semi-finals of the UEFA Conference League and the Coupe de France. He replaces Kieran McKenna, who stepped down after five years, having guided Ipswich to automatic promotion from the Championship last season. O'Neil, a former manager of Bournemouth and Wolves, expressed his excitement about leading the club in the top flight, citing its strong vision and ambition. Chairman Mark Ashton stated that O'Neil has been on the club's radar for some time and is confident he can take Ipswich to new heights. O'Neil will be assisted by Tim Jenkins, Neil Critchley, and Ed Ames, who worked with him in France.
Football | The GuardianGary O'Neil Appointed Ipswich Town Manager on Three-Year Deal
Ipswich Town have appointed Gary O'Neil as their new manager on a three-year contract, replacing Kieran McKenna who stepped down earlier in June 2026. O'Neil, 43, previously managed Wolves and Bournemouth, and most recently led French club Strasbourg to eighth place in Ligue 1 and a Europa Conference League semi-final. He will be joined by coaches Tim Jenkins and Neil Critchley. Ipswich's hierarchy, including CEO Mark Ashton, had long admired O'Neil. The club aims to survive in the Premier League and expects to spend to strengthen the squad. O'Neil's return to the Premier League marks his first job in English football since leaving Wolves in December 2024. Ipswich begin their campaign at home to Sunderland on 22 August.
BBC SportGary O'Neil Leaves Strasbourg for Ipswich Town; Strasbourg Begins Coach Search
Gary O'Neil has left French club Strasbourg to join newly-promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town. The 43-year-old English coach, who arrived at Strasbourg in January to replace Liam Rosenior, was attracted by Ipswich's project. An agreement worth around €5 million, including bonuses, was reached for O'Neil, who had two years remaining on his Strasbourg contract. O'Neil praised his short stint abroad, stating it improved him as a coach and that the Premier League matches his personal ambition. Strasbourg officially thanked O'Neil and his staff and are now searching for a new manager, with an appointment expected before the resumption of training on July 8.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuGary O'Neil Departs Strasbourg for Ipswich Town
On June 23, 2026, French Ligue 1 club RC Strasbourg Alsace confirmed the departure of head coach Gary O'Neil, who is leaving to join English Premier League side Ipswich Town. O'Neil had been appointed as Strasbourg's manager less than six months prior, arriving in Alsace in early 2026. The announcement was made via the club's official statement and social media. The report, published by Foot Mercato, indicates that Strasbourg is now without a head coach and will likely seek a replacement. The transfer highlights the fluid nature of managerial movements between European leagues, with O'Neil moving back to the Premier League after a short stint in France.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertIpswich Town Appoints Gary O'Neil as Head Coach on Three-Year Contract
Ipswich Town has officially appointed Gary O'Neil as the club's head coach, signing a three-year contract until summer 2029. The 43-year-old becomes the 20th manager in the club's 90-year professional history, moving from French side Strasbourg to Portman Road. Last season, O'Neil led Strasbourg to the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-finals and an 8th-place finish in Ligue 1. He previously managed AFC Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League, securing top-flight survival at both clubs. O'Neil will be joined by his former Strasbourg coaching staff including Tim Jenkins, Neil Critchley, and Ed Eames. Chairman Mark Ashton praised O'Neil's tactical knowledge and proven track record. O'Neil expressed excitement about leading Ipswich in the Premier League, acknowledging the challenges ahead. Before management, O'Neil made over 200 Premier League appearances as a player for Portsmouth, West Ham, and Middlesbrough, and began his coaching career in Liverpool's academy.
虎扑 - 足球Gary O'Neil appointed new Ipswich Town manager ahead of Premier League return
Gary O'Neil has been appointed as Ipswich Town's new manager, replacing Kieran McKenna who left the club after guiding them back to the Premier League. O'Neil signed a three-year contract at Portman Road. The 43-year-old previously managed Bournemouth and Wolves in the Premier League, and most recently coached Strasbourg to an eighth-place finish in Ligue 1. He notably made 51 appearances for Ipswich's archrivals Norwich City between 2014 and 2016. Sky Sports analysis highlights that O'Neil faces a busy pre-season needing to bolster the squad after Ipswich's relegation two seasons ago. Ipswich's opening Premier League fixtures include Sunderland (home), Manchester United (away), and Liverpool (home) in their first three games. O'Neil was chosen over former Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior for the role.
SkySports | NewsStrasbourg: Behind the Scenes of Gary O'Neil's Surprise Departure to Ipswich
Gary O'Neil is leaving Ligue 1 club Strasbourg after only six months to join newly promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town. The deal between BlueCo (Strasbourg's ownership) and Ipswich is nearly complete, and the 43-year-old manager is expected to sign early next week. O'Neil, who arrived in January 2026 to replace Liam Rosenior, posted the 5th-best record in Ligue 1, led Strasbourg to 8th place, and reached the semi-finals of the Coupe de France and Europa Conference League. However, the club's failure to qualify for European competition, combined with the need to sell key players (including Valentín Barco and Emmanuel Emegha to Chelsea) and O'Neil's desire to return to England, made his departure inevitable. His critical comments about the January transfer window, which he said weakened the squad, were not well received by management. O'Neil will be accompanied by assistants Tim Jenkins and Neil Critchley. Strasbourg must now find a new coach.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertGary O'Neil on the Verge of Signing with Ipswich Town as New Manager
Ipswich Town, recently promoted to the Premier League, announced the departure of manager Kieran McKenna a few days ago, citing his decision to step away to dedicate time to his family. According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 'Tractor Boys' have identified their ideal replacement: Gary O'Neil, the current manager of French Ligue 1 side Strasbourg. O'Neil, 43, joined Strasbourg in January 2026 on a contract until 2029. Despite Strasbourg's disappointing league performance, which left them without European competition for the 2026/27 season, O'Neil led the team to the semifinals of the UEFA Conference League, where they were narrowly eliminated by Rayo Vallecano. His strong showing in Europe has caught the attention of Premier League clubs, and he is now nearing an agreement to take over at Portman Road for Ipswich's upcoming Premier League campaign.
FútbolGary O'Neil set to leave Strasbourg and take over as Ipswich head coach
Gary O'Neil, 43, is poised to become Ipswich Town's new head coach, returning to England from Ligue 1 Strasbourg. Only minor details remain to be finalized, and he will succeed Kieran McKenna, who announced his departure from Ipswich after leading them back to the Premier League. O'Neil joined Strasbourg in January, part of the BlueCo group, and led the French side to an eighth-place finish in Ligue 1 and the semi-finals of the Conference League. He has a longstanding relationship with Ipswich's chief executive Mark Ashton. Separately, Burnley are pushing to hire Craig Bellamy as their head coach following relegation, having contacted the Football Association of Wales. Bellamy previously worked as an assistant at Burnley under Vincent Kompany and has expressed interest in club management alongside his desire to lead Wales at Euro 2028.
Football | The GuardianGary O'Neil Set to Become Ipswich Town Manager as Clear Lake's Dual-Line Strategy Collapses
Multiple media outlets report that Ipswich Town is finalizing the appointment of Strasbourg head coach Gary O'Neil to replace Kieran McKenna. The 43-year-old Englishman's deal is in its final stages, with an official announcement expected next week. Negotiations between Ipswich and the BlueCo group (which also owns Strasbourg and Chelsea) are progressing smoothly. O'Neil is likely to bring his assistants Tim Jenkins and Neil Critchley from France. McKenna left Ipswich after four and a half years, having led the club to consecutive promotions before relegation from the Premier League in the 2024-25 season. O'Neil previously managed Bournemouth, Wolverhampton, and most recently Strasbourg, where he finished eighth in Ligue 1 and reached semi-finals in both the Coupe de France and UEFA Conference League. Ole Gunnar Solskjær was also considered for the role.
虎扑 - 足球Gary O'Neil Close to Leaving Strasbourg for Premier League Newcomers Ipswich Town
Gary O'Neil, who arrived at Strasbourg midway through last season to replace Liam Rosenior, is reportedly close to leaving the club to join newly promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town. According to The Athletic, negotiations between Ipswich and BlueCo, Strasbourg's ownership, have progressed positively, and a final agreement is imminent. O'Neil would be accompanied by assistants Tim Jenkins and Neil Critchley. Despite leading Strasbourg to an 8th-place finish in Ligue 1 and deep runs in the Coupe de France and Conference League semifinals, the 43-year-old failed to meet management's objectives of European qualification or winning a trophy. The club spent over €100 million on ten-plus new players but also suffered key injuries to top scorer Joaquin Panichelli and captain Emmanuel Emegha late in the season.
Home Football - actualitésGary O'Neil Expected to Leave Strasbourg for Ipswich
English coach Gary O'Neil, 43, is expected to leave French club Strasbourg imminently to join Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town, despite having a contract until 2028. Strasbourg president Marc Keller had assured his stay as recently as May 26. An agreement is reportedly reached between the two clubs to terminate O'Neil's contract, and he is due to sign with Ipswich by the end of the week. O'Neil replaced Liam Rosenior at Strasbourg in January and led the team to the Conference League semi-finals and French Cup semi-finals, while also achieving the fifth-best points tally in the second half of the Ligue 1 season (29 points). He will replace Kieran McKenna, who recently left Ipswich.
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