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Ipswich close in on O'Neil as new head coach
TL;DR
Ipswich is nearing the appointment of Gary O'Neil as their new head coach, replacing Kieran McKenna. Compensation with O'Neil's current club, Strasbourg, is still being negotiated but is not expected to pose a problem.
Key points
- Ipswich close to appointing Gary O'Neil as head coach
- O'Neil to replace Kieran McKenna
- Compensation with Strasbourg still to be agreed
- Tim Jenkins and Neil Critchley expected to join
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also considered for the position
Mentioned in this story
Gary O'NeilKieran McKennaStrasbourgBournemouthWolvesOle Gunnar Solskjaer
Ipswich are close to appointing Gary O'Neil as their new head coach.
The 43-year-old is poised to replace Kieran McKenna, who stepped down from the Portman Road post earlier this month.
Compensation with O'Neil's current club Strasbourg is still to be agreed, but is not expected to be an issue for the Tractor Boys.
Tim Jenkins and Neil Critchley are also expected to move to Suffolk with ex-Bournemouth and Wolves boss O'Neil, having worked with him in France.
Former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also in the running for the job this week.
BBC Sport reported Ipswich's interest in O'Neil earlier this month and the Strasbourg boss has long been admired by the club's hierarchy.
His French club finished eighth in Ligue 1 last season and reached the Europa Conference League semi-finals, losing to Rayo Vallacano. It was the first time Strasbourg had reached the last four of a European competition.
O'Neil played at Bristol City when current Ipswich chief executive Mark Ashton held the same role at Ashton Gate.
Strasbourg had initially been confident of keeping him following his January arrival, but O'Neil will return to the Premier League for the first time since leaving Wolves in December 2024.
Ipswich are looking for a new head coach after McKenna stepped down last week, despite leading them back to the top flight by finishing second in the Championship last season.
The 40-year-old took charge of the Tractor Boys in 2021 and led them to three promotions in the past four seasons, two of which have taken the club into the Premier League.
McKenna was linked with the Fulham job after Marco Silva's departure, but quit Town to take a break from the game and spend more time with his family.
"I feel this is the right time for me to step aside," he said. "I do so with great pride at the incredible progress we have made and with huge hope and optimism for the future of the club."
Ipswich open their Premier League campaign at home to Sunderland on 22 August.
Q&A
Who is Gary O'Neil and why is he being appointed as Ipswich's head coach?
Gary O'Neil is a 43-year-old football manager set to replace Kieran McKenna at Ipswich due to his previous experience with clubs like Bournemouth and Wolves.
What is the status of Gary O'Neil's compensation agreement with Strasbourg?
Ipswich is currently negotiating compensation with Strasbourg for Gary O'Neil, but it is not expected to be an issue.
Who else might join Gary O'Neil at Ipswich as part of his coaching staff?
Tim Jenkins and Neil Critchley are expected to join Gary O'Neil at Ipswich, having previously worked with him in France.
