Ipswich Town’s search for a new manager has reportedly placed Gary O’Neil on the shortlist of candidates. The opening comes after Kieran McKenna’s departure from the club following a successful spell that culminated in Premier League promotion.

The backstory and the irony

O’Neil was dismissed by Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 15, 2024. The result that sealed his fate? A 2-1 home defeat to Ipswich Town. The club that ended his tenure at Molineux might now be the one offering him a fresh start.

His time at Wolves spanned from August 2023 to that December dismissal.

After leaving Wolves, O’Neil was appointed head coach of Strasbourg on January 7, 2026, taking a step into French football.

There was also a period in November 2025 when O’Neil was in discussions about a potential return to Wolves. He ultimately withdrew from those talks, which turned out to precede the Strasbourg appointment weeks later.

How credible is the link?

Major football outlets have not substantiated a concrete connection between O’Neil and the Ipswich vacancy. The link exists more in the realm of speculation and candidate lists than in confirmed negotiations or formal approaches.

His current employment at Strasbourg also complicates matters. Any approach would likely require negotiation with the French club, potential compensation, and O’Neil’s own willingness to leave a position he took just months ago.