Ipswich Town are set to appoint Gary O'Neil as their new manager after Kieran McKenna's surprise exit. According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, talks have advanced between Ipswich and O'Neil, with an agreement on terms in place.

What happened?

Ipswich Town sealed automatic promotion from the Championship last season, finishing second behind Coventry City. They will be among the early relegation favourites and a side Leeds will look to finish above.

Why it matters for Ipswich Town

Kieran McKenna left earlier this month to take a complete break from football, leaving Portman Road without a head coach at a pivotal time. Gary O'Neil has been in charge of RC Strasbourg since January and previously kept Bournemouth up in 2022/23.

What comes next?

O'Neil will have plenty of time to impose his ideas before Ipswich visit Elland Road on December 5. The reverse fixture at Portman Road is on May 1, the fifth-to-last match for each side.

As of June 26, 2026, Ipswich Town's current standing is: | Stat | Value | | --- | --- | | League standing | 2nd in Championship, 84 pts, 23W-15D-8L from 46 games | | Recent form | WDDWD | | Goals this season | 80 scored, 47 conceded (+33 goal difference) | | Title race | 11 points behind leaders Coventry | With Gary O'Neil at the helm, Ipswich Town will look to build on their successful season and compete in the Championship.