- Published48 minutes ago
Ipswich Town chairman Mark Ashton says he is "really pleased" with how manager Gary O'Neil has settled at Portman Road.
O'Neil arrived at Ipswich in June, walking into what Ashton described as a "whirlwind" situation.
"Promotion to the Premier League, having to change the manager, appointing Gary [O'Neil], bringing in the staff and then you're into recruitment - and you're moving into a new training ground which has been five years in development. It has been a really busy period." Ashton told BBC Radio Suffolk.
"I think he's come in really calmly, strong-minded and focused on what he wants to do. He has shown real leadership by my side and stepped through all of those challenges. Without that calm leadership I don't think you get the points on the board or recruit the players you have done. He has done really well.
"He will be the first to tell you that there's lots to do; lots of hard work and challenges to come."
Ashton also spoke about how his relationship with O'Neil differs from the one he had with former boss Kieran McKenna, who stepped down from the role shortly after earning promotion back to the Premier League.
"There's a lot of similarities but you build relationships over time," Ashton added. "I think you don't actually find out about people until you're in adversity and challenges. That is how you find out about the people at your side.
"He is a great communicator and we talk every day. We can work closely but make sure he has enough space to do his job. Like Kieran and the modern-day manager, they work tirelessly for very long hours. They are very focused on what they want to do.
"We have got a lot of work to do but he's settled in well."
Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds
