Norwich City's connection to Ipswich is set to be extended with Gary O'Neil's potential appointment as the new boss of their East Anglian rivals. The former Norwich City player is top of the list to replace Kieran McKenna, who left Ipswich just 39 days after earning promotion to the Premier League. This news has sparked a mix of emotions among Norwich City fans, who are still coming to terms with their own team's absence from the top flight. Gary O'Neil would join a small group of former Norwich players to have managed Ipswich, including Mick O'Brien, Joe Royle, and Paul Cook. Paul Lambert is the only man to have managed both Norwich City and Ipswich, with limited success at the latter. The cross-border links between the two clubs are intriguing, with several players and managers having made the switch over the years. Mick O'Brien, for example, played for Norwich City between 1929 and 1931 before becoming Ipswich's first professional manager in 1936. Joe Royle, on the other hand, ended his playing career at Carrow Road before being appointed Ipswich manager in 2002. He led the team to the play-offs in 2004 and 2005 but ultimately left in 2006. Paul Cook's tenure at Ipswich was shorter, lasting just nine months in 2021. The appointment of Gary O'Neil would add another layer to the complex and often contentious relationship between Norwich City and Ipswich. The two clubs have a long and storied history, with the East Anglian derby being one of the most fiercely contested in the country. The rivalry between the two teams is fueled by their geographic proximity and the fact that they have often been competing for the same goals and accolades. As the news of Gary O'Neil's potential appointment continues to unfold, Norwich City fans will be watching with interest to see how this development affects the dynamic between the two clubs. And with the East Anglian derby set to be renewed in the near future, the stakes are higher than ever. But for now, the focus is on Gary O'Neil and his potential to make a lasting impact at Ipswich. So, what can we expect from the former Norwich City player as he takes the reins at Portman Road? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - the cross-border links between Norwich City and Ipswich are set to become even more intriguing in the days and weeks to come. The question on everyone's mind is how Gary O'Neil will fare in his new role, and whether he can bring success to Ipswich. With his experience as a player and coach, he certainly has the credentials to make a positive impact. But the challenge ahead will be tough, and he will need all his skills and expertise to navigate the complexities of the East Anglian derby.