Wolverhampton Wanderers are 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.
Gary O’Neill withdraws from Wolves managerial bid
According to an update from X’s reliable John Percy, Wolves have entered “advanced negotiations” to appoint O’Neill, who has emerged as a “very strong candidate” for the job.
But Old Gold’s former president withdrew from running Monday night.
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.
Percy also praised the job O’Neill has done at Molineux, having taken over from Julen Lopetegui during a difficult period.
The truth is Wolves are eight points away from safety and a top manager is unlikely to be in line for the job, so losing out on the former manager would be a blow.