Wolverhampton Wanderers are currently targeting Gary O’Neill to replace Vitor Pereira, but the former manager’s stance on his return has been revealed.
Saturday’s 3-0 defeat against Fulham marked the end of Pereira’s time as manager, with the team producing another disappointing performance, barely finishing behind the Cottage, posting a total xG of just 0.24.
Furthermore, Old Gold were also very weak at the other end of the pitch, conceding three goals, meaning they have the worst defensive record in the league.
No wonder, then, that Fosun finally had enough and sacked the 57-year-old, who signed a new three-year contract less than two months later, with Wolves’ Premier League status now under serious threat.
Wanderers are now eight points out of reach after suffering their eighth defeat in 10 Premier League games, leaving their new manager with a lot of work to do to keep them out of the relegation zone.
Wolves enter advanced negotiations to sign Gary O’Neill
According to an update from X’s reliable John Percy, Wolves are currently in “advanced negotiations” to appoint O’Neill, who has emerged as a “very strong candidate” for the job, although other options are also being considered.
Further updates from The Boot room reveal the 42-year-old is considering a return to Molineux, with journalist Graham Bailey adding: “I have heard that Gary O’Neill has made it clear that he is open to returning.
“Despite their parting ways last season, Fosun and the club’s executives still like him. O’Neill still knows most of the players and thinks he can keep them.”
Appointing a manager who wasn’t sacked less than 12 months ago could be seen as a step backwards, and the former AFC Bournemouth manager doesn’t have the best record in the Premier League, averaging just over one goal per game.
Gary O’Neill’s Premier League record | |
|---|---|
game | 88 |
victory | twenty five |
draw | 16 |
loss | 47 |
Points per match | 1.03 |
However, the Beckenham-born manager is no stranger to relegation battles and guided the Cherries to safety in 2022-23 after taking over from Scott Parker, before finishing 14th at Wolves the following season.
Correspondent John Percy also praised Mr O’Neill’s work at Molineux after taking over from Julen Lopetegui during a difficult period.
In fact, Wolves are eight points away from safety and with a top manager unlikely to take the job, a move for the former manager could make sense.
