Ipswich have announced the appointment of Gary O’Neil as their new manager.The Tractor Boys began their search for a new boss after Kieran McKenna’s surprise decision to step down. McKenna has decided to take a break from football after guiding Ipswich back to the Premier LeaguePAMcKenna had been linked with the vacant Fulham job but instead decided to take a break from football after five years at Portman Road.O’Neil has previous Premier League experience with Bournemouth and Wolves.He was sacked by Wolves in December 2024 following a poor start to the season and had more than a year away from management.The 43-year-old then replaced Liam Rosenior at Strasbourg in January, following the latter’s decision to join Chelsea.During his half-season at the helm, O’Neil guided the French side into the Conference League semi-finals.What has O’Neil said?“It is an honour to be appointed Manager of this great football club,” he told the club in an official statement.“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.“There is a strong vision and ambition at this club and I am fully aware of the responsibility that brings, given how much it means to its supporters and to the community of Ipswich and Suffolk.“We all know the challenge ahead as we prepare for the season together and I’m excited to meet everyone and get to work.”Who will be his coaches?Tim Jenkins, Neil Critchley and Ed Ames for his backroom staff having worked alongside O’Neil at Strasbourg.O’Neil impressed in France and the Ipswich chairman said he has been on the club’s radar for some timeAFPCompensation has been agreed with the Ligue 1 club for O’Neil to join.Former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also among the candidates to replace McKenna.Ipswich chairman Mark Ashton said: “He is a manager who has been on our radar for some time and, following a thorough and robust process, during which we met with a wide range of candidates, it became clear he was the leading candidate for the position.“He is highly motivated, highly regarded, has an incredible attention to detail and tactical knowledge and is an excellent coach with a real track record of improving players.“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.”Ipswich will return to the Premier League for the 2026/27 season after bouncing straight back from the Championship last term.They host Sunderland on the opening weekend of the season on August 22.