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Ipswich Hire Gary O’Neil, 5 M Fee, Eye Survival

6/24/2026

Summary

Gary O’Neil Appointed

Ipswich Town appointed Gary O’Neil as manager on 2026-06-23T15:23:24+00:00.
He signed a three-year contract that runs until the summer of 2029.
Strasbourg received a fee believed to be worth 5 million euros (£4.3 million) with add-ons.
He replaces Kieran McKenna, who left to spend more time with family, and aims to secure enough points for Premier League survival.
Fans expressed mixed reactions, with many urging support and some calling the appointment underwhelming.

Summary

Gary O’Neil Preps

Gary O’Neil said his teams will prioritize ball possession and adapt tactics against stronger opponents.
Ipswich’s preseason opens with a home game versus Sunderland on August 22, then at Manchester United and Liverpool.
Christian Walton, the £15 million goalkeeper, is expected to start with Alex Palmer as backup while midfielder Azor Matusiwa must improve his defensive work.
Targets include Marseille defender CJ Egan-Riley, Paris FC forward Ilan Kebbal and Levante striker Karl Eyong.

History

Historical Context

In 2000 George Burley led Ipswich Town to promotion and a surprise fifth-place Premier League finish, securing a UEFA Cup spot. After back-to-back promotions in 2022–23 and 2023–24 returned the club to the top flight, it appointed former Strasbourg manager Gary O’Neil on 23 June 2026, following Kieran McKenna’s exit, to maintain Premier League survival.

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Gary O’Neil Appointed

Ipswich Town appointed Gary O’Neil as manager on 2026-06-23T15:23:24+00:00.
He signed a three-year contract that runs until the summer of 2029.
Strasbourg received a fee believed to be worth 5 million euros (£4.3 million) with add-ons.
He replaces Kieran McKenna, who left to spend more time with family, and aims to secure enough points for Premier League survival.
Fans expressed mixed reactions, with many urging support and some calling the appointment underwhelming.

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