It's only been seven years since Gary O'Neil hung up his boots and already he's managing his fourth top flight football club. That, however, wasn't the plan.
A playing career that spanned two decades was split evenly across the top two tiers of English football. He made 214 Premier League appearances (for Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, West Ham and Norwich) and 191 Championship appearances for (Portsmouth, Walsall, Cardiff, Boro, West Ham, QPR, Bristol City and Bolton), experiencing four promotions and four relegations along the way.
"I ruptured my Achilles at 37 and had to retire. It was quite abrupt and not how I expected it to end," he reflects, speaking to TownTV.
"I was Player of the Year in my last season at Bolton, playing in the Championship still. I feel like in my last game, away at Forest (in May 2019), I was good and that I still had a lot to give. The plan was just to play all the way down the levels until I couldn't play anymore. I thought I'd get to 40.
Gary O'Neil, pictured during his time at Middlesbrough, pictured tackling Manchester City's Blumer Elano. (Image: PA)
"I miss playing, every player will say the same, but instead I've been able to go on the coaching journey I've been on.
"When your team produces a performance that looks like everything you've worked on and you get three points in the Premier League, that is also a fantastic feeling. We'll be looking for as many of them as possible this season, with the first one coming on the first weekend, hopefully."
Asked if Gary O'Neil the manager was a lot different to Gary O'Neil the player, a tigerish and tidy midfielder, he smiles and replies: "Not too different actually.
"I worked hard as a player. I had a bit of an edge and was always willing to do whatever was required to win. I had a bit of talent, but I wasn't the biggest or the strongest or the quickest. I certainly made the most of what I had at the Premier League level. I worked really hard.
"I think as a coach and as a manager, I probably have potential to do better. It's all around your thinking, around the culture you create, around how you bond with players and fans.
Gary O'Neil, pictured with his head bandaged while playing for Portsmouth. (Image: PA)
"The difference between playing and managing is that as a manager you feel responsible for everything. When you're low, you're really low. Whereas, when you're a player, you just go, 'Okay, I didn't play very well, but next week we'll go again'. But also, as manager, you probably get a bit more satisfaction from winning because you know that you've put all of that together.
"I was always looking to go into being a head coach or manager. I've been fortunate that I've already had three Premier League jobs already (Bournemouth, Wolves and now Ipswich). I had a real good time in Strasbourg (over the last six months), managing against PSG, Marseille and in the semi-final of Europe (Europa Conference League). Experiencing something different has definitely made me better."
The 43-year-old continues: "It's been an incredible few years and this is a fantastic next step. I'm sure you can probably feel how excited I am to be here.
"I'm really driven. I think anybody who works with me or around me, knows we work really hard every day. We do long hours to try and give the players the best opportunity to perform and to look at their best.
Ipswich Town are the third club Gary O'Neil is managing in the Premier League following on from Bournemouth and Wolves. (Image: PA)
"That doesn't mean it's always successful, but the effort will always be top. We work really, really hard because, as I did when I was a player, I want to be the best I can be.
"I think I could probably have done a bit more as a player if I'd had a bit more understanding when I was younger. I don't want to miss that opportunity as a manager, so I try and make sure I'm really up to date on what I need to improve and what I'm doing well. I review all the time to make sure that I'm maximising what I can achieve.
"It's a fantastic industry and business to be involved in. I'm trying to get as high as I can in the game. The journey has brought me to Ipswich. To be in charge of a club with a rich history, and the trajectory that it's been on for the last few years, is a fantastic opportunity for me. I'm thankful for everybody who's helped me get to this moment and to the guys that have trusted me with the job. Now it's time to repay them and the incredible fan base that deserve a really enjoyable season in the top flight."
O'Neil was appointed on June 23rd, but had to wait until last Monday for the start of pre-season training.
"I've loved the area. I've been out for dinner a couple of times with my wife, a couple of times with the coaching staff. It's a fantastic place," he enthuses.
The 43-year-old has experience in England managing Bournemouth and WolvesGary O'Neil is confident he can keep Ipswich Town in the top flight. (Image: Ross Halls)
"I've loved the sun too. I'm a big fan of the sun. If it could be like this all year round, I would take it! It's a bit warm for the lads running though!
"The lads have been great in training. It's been a perfect two weeks really. Nothing could have gone any better."
On whether there had been any first day nerves, he replies: "I'm okay actually. I love that first individual chat. I love the first training session. I just love what I do.
"There's a lot to do, there will be all the way through the season, but I enjoy everything on the list - the recruitment side, getting to know our players, getting to know all the staff, making sure all the staff around the place know how I work and how much I appreciate everyone at the training ground.
"Everyone has been incredible to me so far. They know that it's going to be a big team effort this season. It's not just about the players and the coaches. Every point will be a reflection of the work that everyone has done. It's important that I get them to feel that with me.
"We're all excited to move into the new training ground. Everyone is in a good, happy, cheerful mood. You can feel the club is in a real good spot. I think that's a credit to everyone that's been involved in it in the last few years.
Ipswich Town's players celebrate securing promotion to the Premier League.Ipswich Town are preparing for only their second Premier League season in 25 years. (Image: PA)
"We're ready for the challenge at the Premier League. We have a big run-up to Sunderland, but I'm looking forward to standing in a packed out Portman Road, probably sun shining still, and trying to take our first three points."
Having boldly stated that he is '100% sure' Ipswich will avoid Premier League relegation this season - something the club hasn't done since 2000/01 - O'Neil adds: "I'm really excited to be back in the Premier League and to be a part of the history that we have here and with the group that we have.
"The club's in a fantastic spot. We're now looking forward to trying to put the next step onto that this season and see if we can make sure, firstly, we maintain the Premier League status and, secondly, can we start to aim even higher than that if we get going and we get going well."