Ipswich Town Football Club is reportedly close to appointing Gary O’Neil as their new manager, with an official announcement expected imminently. The 43-year-old, currently managing Strasbourg in France, has emerged as the club’s preferred candidate following a comprehensive search to replace Kieran McKenna.

McKenna’s decision to step away from football came as a surprise to many, particularly after he guided Ipswich to promotion to the Premier League. The club has moved quickly to identify a successor capable of leading the team in the top flight.

O’Neil, who has previously managed Wolves and Bournemouth, was favored over former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was also considered for the role. Ipswich’s board reportedly believes O’Neil is best suited for the club’s ambitions moving forward. Negotiations for a compensation package with Strasbourg are understood to be in the final stages.

In addition to O’Neil’s appointment, it is expected that Tim Jenkins and Neil Critchley will join the managerial team, following the new head coach from France to form part of his backroom staff.

A key factor in O’Neil’s selection appears to be his longstanding relationship with Ipswich’s CEO and chairman, Mark Ashton. Ashton had a role in signing O’Neil during his playing days at Bristol City, and he remains involved in the recruitment process. While discussions are still ongoing, Ashton emphasized the importance of thorough due diligence in the decision-making process, describing the appointment as “imminent.”

Ipswich fans and observers of English football will now await the formal confirmation of O’Neil’s arrival as the club prepares for its return to the Premier League.