New Ipswich Town boss Gary O’Neil says he is determined to take the club further than Kieran McKenna by delivering Ipswich’s first successful Premier League season in 25 years. Speaking to Sky Sports, O’Neil outlined his respect for McKenna’s achievements and his belief that Town are ready to make a genuine impact in the top flight.
O’Neil arrived at Portman Road last month after McKenna departed as a club legend, having delivered three promotions in four seasons. That run included Ipswich’s brief Premier League stay in 2024/25, when the Blues were relegated after a difficult campaign. Town’s last strong top‑flight season came in 2000/01, when George Burley’s newly‑promoted side stunned the division by finishing fifth.
O’Neil: McKenna Did an Incredible Job
O’Neil told Sky Sports he has long admired McKenna’s work.
“Me and Kieran have exchanged messages a few times over the last few years, to be honest. I’ve spoken to him a few times at a few events. I’ve always spoken to him after games. He’s obviously done an incredible job here.”
He says the next step is achieving something Ipswich haven’t managed in decades.
“The next phase of that, which the club haven’t been able to do for a very long time, is to secure a successful Premier League campaign. I think the last one was 2001, so a long, long time ago since the club have been able to really make a mark in the top level. That’s what we’re going to do this year. That’s what everyone’s focused on.”
A Manager Who Knows How To Stay Up
O’Neil has already kept Bournemouth and Wolves in the Premier League, and he intends to make it a hat‑trick in Suffolk.
“The aim is we need to stay in the division. Two seasons ago, the club didn’t get anywhere near staying in the division. This time, we need to do better than that.”
He says recruitment and squad building will be crucial.
“That’s why I’m here. That’s why we’re trying to get this squad ready. That’s why we’re trying to add quality to the squad from different parts of the world. We’re trying to add some different attributes. We have to be successful this year. The club have worked hard to get its second go at a Premier League campaign.”
And he knows Portman Road will be behind him.
“I think the beauty of this club is the following it has. You know that Portman Road is going to be full every week, no matter what.”
A European Run and a Return Home
O’Neil arrives in Suffolk after a short but impressive spell with Strasbourg, where he led the French side to the Europa Conference League semi‑finals, their first-ever European last‑four appearance, and an eighth‑place finish in Ligue 1.
He also told Sky Sports that returning to England wasn’t originally in his plans.
“I wasn’t planning to be back in the Premier League this summer. I enjoyed my time at Strasbourg. It was excellent. I was managing in the semi-final of the European competition, the semi-final of the French Cup, playing PSG, Marseille.”
But the Premier League remains the ultimate stage.
“Big, big games to add to what I’ve already been doing over the last few years. And of course, the Premier League, as an English coach, is the place to be.”
A New Era Begins
O’Neil’s message is clear: Ipswich aren’t just returning to the Premier League; they’re aiming to stay there. With recruitment underway, momentum building and Portman Road ready to roar, Town’s new boss is setting the tone for a season of ambition, resilience and belief.
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Hannah Darbyshire
Hannah is an Ipswich Town writer for Vital Football and a lifelong supporter of the club. Growing up following Town through the highs, lows, and long wait for a Premier League return, she brings a supporter’s voice and a sharp editorial eye to her coverage. Her work focuses on telling…