Ipswich Town boss Gary O'Neil says he 'can't wait' to take charge of his first game at Portman Road tonight. The Blues host top tier French side Le Havre (7.45pm) as part of their pre-season preparations, in what will be O'Neil's first match on the touchline at Town's famous old stadium. It's also Town's first game at home since they beat QPR 3-0 on May 2nd to secure Premier League promotion.
What's at stake for Ipswich Town?
The team is currently 11 points behind leaders Coventry in the Championship title race, with a league standing of 2nd in the final 2025 table. They have scored 80 goals this season, conceding 47.
Gary O'Neil's first game at Portman Road
O'Neil, who took charge of two games in one day on Saturday - a 2-0 defeat at Oxford United and a 2-1 win at Wycombe Wanderers - is relishing the occasion. "I'm looking forward to Portman Road, to be honest," he enthused. "I can't wait to get there and to stand in the dugout and in the technical area in front of the crowd."
What comes next for Ipswich Town?
So we get a couple of little trial runs and then we can get the real party started against Sunderland at home and see if we can do something special." Defender Darnell Furlong is also excited about playing in front of the Town faithful again. "Yes, lovely to go back," he said after Saturday's win at Wycombe. "Obviously we haven't been there since the last game of the season. Nice to get back, be back in front of our fans and feel like we're home again."
