Gary O’Neil to manage Strasbourg following Liam Rosenior’s move to Chelsea
Gary O’Neil has secured an agreement in principle to take charge at Strasbourg, stepping into the vacancy created by Liam Rosenior’s move to Chelsea, reports BritPanorama.
The 42-year-old former Wolves and Bournemouth boss is poised for a return to management after discussions over the weekend. While the fundamental terms of the arrangement have been settled, the contract still requires completion before it becomes official.
Several English clubs had expressed interest in O’Neil since his departure from Molineux last year, but the Ligue 1 outfit moved swiftly to offer him the chance to continue his career in France. He had previously withdrawn from consideration for a potential return to Wolves earlier in this campaign.
Strasbourg currently occupies seventh position in the French top flight, a standing that has secured their place in the UEFA Conference League. Rosenior took the helm in July 2024 and guided the club to European qualification during his tenure before leaving for Stamford Bridge.
The managerial switch between the two clubs has been facilitated by their shared ownership structure, with BlueCo controlling both Strasbourg and Chelsea. This connection made Rosenior the preferred candidate for the Premier League side’s vacancy, setting a precedent in the Alsace-based club’s recent recruitment of coaches with experience in English football’s top tier.
O’Neil’s coaching journey began with a position on Liverpool’s backroom staff before he took on frontline management. His breakthrough opportunity arose at Bournemouth in August 2022 when appointed caretaker after Scott Parker’s dismissal. After achieving a 15th-place finish in the Premier League for the 2022/23 season, he was made permanent manager, but subsequently parted ways with the club in June 2023 despite securing survival in the top flight.
During his time at Wolves, O’Neil achieved a 14th-place finish in the Premier League standings before being dismissed. As Rosenior expressed excitement about his new role at Chelsea, the implications of these managerial changes signal potential shifts in strategies for both clubs in their respective leagues.
As O’Neil embarks on this new chapter, it remains to be seen how his experience will shape Strasbourg’s ambitions and development in Ligue 1 and beyond. A fresh start often brings a mix of hope and uncertainty, making the coming season an intriguing spectacle for fans on both sides of the Channel.
