Gary O’Neil Could Make a Comeback at Wolves
Wolves could be on the verge of a surprising return for Gary O’Neil, less than a year after he was let go by the club. The Black Country-based team has recently parted ways with Vitor Pereira, 57, following a poor start to the season. The club currently sits at the bottom of the Premier League after failing to win any of their first 10 matches.
The club’s management is now in the process of searching for a new manager to replace Pereira, and O’Neil is among the names being considered for the role at Molineux. O’Neil was only dismissed by the club last December when Wolves were in 19th place in the Premier League after securing just two wins from their first 15 games. Since then, he has been without a job.
Another potential candidate for the position is Rui Borges, the current manager of Sporting Lisbon. He took over the role in the Portuguese capital last November, following Ruben Amorim, and led the club to the Primeira Liga title last season. However, it is believed that Wolves would need to pay a compensation package to Sporting Lisbon to secure his services.
Rob Edwards, the current manager of Middlesbrough, is also in the running for the job. However, similar to Borges, Wolves would need to pay compensation to take him from the Championship club. Edwards is likely to be a popular choice among the disgruntled Wolves fanbase, as he played for the club between 2004 and 2008.
Pereira’s final match in charge was against Fulham, where his side appeared to lack ideas and confidence, resulting in a 3-0 defeat. This loss marked the end of his tenure as the head coach. Pereira became the fourth top-flight manager to be sacked this season, despite signing a new three-year deal just weeks ago.
In a statement released by club chairman Jeff Shi on Sunday, Wolves announced Pereira’s sacking. The statement read: “Vitor and his team worked tirelessly for Wolves and helped guide us through a challenging period last season, for which we are grateful. Unfortunately, the start to this season has been a disappointment and, despite our strong desire to give the head coach time and matches to find an improvement, we have reached a point where we must make a change. We thank Vitor and his staff for their efforts and wish them the very best for the future.”
The statement also mentioned that under-21 head coach James Collins and under-18 head coach Richard Walker will take training while the club finalises the appointment of a new first-team head coach.
Pereira joined the club in December and helped steer them away from trouble, finishing 16th in the table. The following summer saw significant changes in the playing squad, with key players such as Matheus Cunha, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Nelson Semedo leaving Molineux.
A terrible start to the season, which has left the club six points from safety, increased pressure on Pereira. His defeat at Fulham proved to be the final straw.
Potential Candidates for the New Manager Role
- Gary O’Neil: Known for his previous stint at Wolves, O’Neil is seen as a possible returnee. He was dismissed in December but has remained out of work since.
- Rui Borges: The current manager of Sporting Lisbon, who led the club to the Primeira Liga title last season. Wolves would need to pay a compensation package to secure his services.
- Rob Edwards: The current Middlesbrough boss, who is also in the running. He would require compensation from the Championship club and is popular among fans due to his past association with Wolves.
Key Points from the Statement
- Wolves expressed gratitude for Pereira’s efforts during a challenging period last season.
- Despite the initial hope for improvement, the disappointing start to the season forced the club to make a change.
- The club is now looking for a new first-team head coach, with Collins and Walker taking charge temporarily.
