Former Wolves boss is back in the Premier League

Ipswich have unveiled former Wolves boss Gary O’Neil as their new manager as they prepare for their return to the Premier League.

The 43-year-old, who was in charge at French club Strasbourg, has signed a three-year deal which will take him up to the summer of 2029.

O’Neil told the club’s official website: “It is an honour to be appointed manager of this great football club.

“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.”

O’Neil took charge of Wolves in August 2023 and left with the team sat in 19th place, four points behind fourth-bottom Crystal Palace. He left after Wolves lost 2-1 at home to Ipswich, their fourth consecutive league defeat and 11th loss in 16 league matches.

He had led Wolves to a 14th-placed Premier League finish the season before, earning memorable wins over Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, while also taking his team to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

However, a disastrous late turnaround at home to then Championship outfit Coventry City would deny Wolves the chance to go to Wembley - and despite signing a new long-term contract, it would prove to be the beginning of his downfall at Molineux.

O’Neil arrives at Portman Road as Kieran McKenna’s replacement after he announced his decision to step down from his role after five years earlier this month.

McKenna guided Ipswich to automatic promotion from the Championship at the end of last season 12 months after their relegation from the top flight.

And O’Neil, who took Strasbourg to the semi-finals of European football’s Conference League and the Coupe de France, is just the 20th manager in the club’s 90-year history.

He will be assisted by Tim Jenkins, Neil Critchley and Ed Ames, who all join the backroom staff having worked alongside him in France.

O’Neil said: “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.”