Ipswich Town has announced that Gary O'Neal will officially become the team's head coach, with a contract running until the summer of 2029.

Ipswich Town Football Club has officially announced that 43-year-old Gary O'Neill has taken over as head coach, becoming the club's 20th manager since turning professional. O'Neill previously worked for Strasbourg in Ligue 1 and has signed a three-year contract with Ipswich Town until the summer of 2029.  

Last season, under Gary O'Neill's leadership, Strasbourg reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, marking the club's first-ever appearance in a European competition semi-final. They also finished eighth in Ligue 1. Prior to managing Strasbourg, O'Neill managed Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers. In his first full season with both clubs, he led them to 15th and 14th place finishes in the Premier League respectively, successfully avoiding relegation.  

Club president Mark Ashton said: "We are delighted to welcome Gary O'Neill, who has been one of our key targets. After a rigorous and comprehensive selection process and in-depth discussions with several candidates, we have unanimously decided that he is the best candidate for the position."  

"He is an ambitious and highly respected coach with exceptional skills in detail management and tactical execution, as well as a remarkable track record in player development and improvement. Although his coaching career is still in its early stages, he has already proven his ability to manage Premier League teams at Bournemouth and Wolves, and led Strasbourg to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals last season. He consistently demonstrates a strong desire and unwavering determination to succeed on the biggest stage. With the support of the entire club community, I look forward to starting a new chapter with him."  

After completing the signing, Gary O'Neill said: "I am deeply honored to be the manager of this historic and prestigious club. I have been following the team's growth and changes over the past few years. The opportunity to take charge of Ipswich and compete in the Premier League is a very attractive and exciting challenge for me."  

"The club has a clear development blueprint and lofty ambitions, and I am fully aware of the responsibilities I bear, as this club is of great significance to the fans and the entire Ipswich and Suffolk community. We are well aware of the challenges we will face in the new season, and I am very much looking forward to meeting everyone and getting to work as soon as possible."  

"This club has had many outstanding head coaches throughout its history, and the fact that it has only appointed 20 permanent head coaches in 90 years is an outstanding record in itself. In contrast, some clubs may change as many as 20 head coaches in 10 years, so this number fully reflects the club's long-term stability and continuity."  

Speaking about the club's future development, Gary O'Neill expressed optimism, saying, "The brand-new training facilities, the continued investment from the club's owners, and the overall efficient operating system have laid a solid foundation for the team's long-term development. This not only creates new opportunities for the team but also allows me to make my contribution on a well-structured and maturely managed platform. This is a very valuable opportunity, and I am full of anticipation and excitement."  

“From the first day I stepped into this club, I will do my best to represent it and give my all. Once I become a part of it, I will focus entirely on the team’s development. Right now, all my attention is on Ipswich Town. I only care about how many points the team can get and their overall performance on the field. I hope to embark on a new journey with the fans, write a new chapter, and strive to achieve some special accomplishments.”  

"In football, there are always expectations from the outside world, and we must continue to work hard to meet and achieve those goals. Whether as a player or a coach, I want to represent the club I play for in a way that meets the expectations of the fans. I hope to create some truly special results here that everyone can be proud of and present the fans with a team that is worth supporting."  

“I will do everything I can to ensure the team’s success in every aspect, and achieving that in Ipswich is of extraordinary significance to me. I am very much looking forward to starting this new journey.”  

Image source: Internet/Ipswich official website