Gary O’Neil Pulls Out of Running for Wolves Manager Role After Surprise Return Talk
Gary O’Neil has unexpectedly withdrawn from the race to become the next manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers, following reports that a shock return to Molineux was imminent. The 42-year-old former manager of the club had been in contention to replace Vitor Pereira, whose sacking followed a dismal run of results that left the club stranded at the bottom of the Premier League.
O’Neil, who was dismissed by Wolves in December 2024 after a poor start to the season, had been close to agreeing terms for a return to the club, according to sources close to the situation. However, in a surprising turn of events, he has now decided to pull out of the negotiations, leaving the club to explore other managerial options.
The Background: A Surprising Twist for O’Neil
O’Neil’s name had not been widely linked to a return to Wolves earlier in the year, with many surprised that he had even been considered for the job. Sources told BBC Sport that much of the deal was already agreed before O’Neil opted to withdraw, citing various internal concerns and changing personal circumstances.
Wolves had initially sacked O’Neil after a disastrous start to the 2024-25 season, where he failed to secure a win in the club’s opening 10 Premier League matches. However, after nearly a year without a managerial position, O’Neil’s situation changed, and he appeared open to a return. This shift in perspective followed a summer in which he missed out on the Norwich City job to Liam Manning, further intensifying his desire to find the right opportunity.
Despite being under contract with Wolves due to his severance package from his sacking, O’Neil was reportedly keen to make a comeback. However, he ultimately pulled out of the process, leaving the club searching for alternatives.
Wolves’ Managerial Search Continues: Ten Hag and Edwards in the Frame
With O’Neil out of the picture, Wolves are now reportedly exploring other candidates, including former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, who was sacked by Bayer Leverkusen in September after just three games in charge. Ten Hag, who previously enjoyed success in the Netherlands with Ajax, is seen as a manager with a pedigree capable of turning around Wolves’ fortunes.
Another strong contender for the role is Rob Edwards, the current Middlesbrough manager and a former Wolves coach. Edwards had been part of the Wolves coaching setup in previous years, making his position at the club an intriguing possibility. However, Middlesbrough’s reported demand for a significant compensation fee for Edwards could complicate matters, especially with Wolves already in the midst of a difficult financial and sporting situation.
Edwards himself has distanced himself from the speculation, stating that his focus remains solely on his current role at Middlesbrough. “You know my links to the club, but my full focus is on this job here, which is a brilliant job,” Edwards said, referring to his current role at Boro. “Speculation stuff is hard for me to comment about.”
Wolves’ Struggles and the Legacy of O’Neil’s Tenure
The managerial changes at Molineux come after a tumultuous period for the club. Pereira’s sacking followed a heavy 3-0 defeat to Fulham, a result that left Wolves rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table with just two points from their first 10 games—a tally no team in the Premier League’s history has survived with. Pereira, who succeeded O’Neil last December, was dismissed after the club’s poor start to the 2024-25 season, mirroring O’Neil’s struggles during his brief spell in charge.
While O’Neil’s time at Wolves was marked by frustration, especially following his sacking in December 2024, the club’s current plight has led to questions about whether he could have been the answer to their current woes. The players he valued most—Matheus Cunha, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Nelson Semedo—have since departed, leaving a squad that has struggled to find consistency.
Had O’Neil returned, questions would have been raised about how he could have succeeded without the key players he had relied upon during his tenure. His departure last year came after he failed to win any of his first 10 games, a result that was mirrored by the club under Pereira this season.
The Role of Jorge Mendes and Wolves’ Managerial History
Wolves have long been linked with super-agent Jorge Mendes, who has played a key role in the club’s managerial appointments in recent years. Mendes was instrumental in bringing in former managers Nuno Espirito Santo and Bruno Lage, as well as Vitor Pereira. It is understood that Mendes’ influence could once again play a part in the club’s managerial search, with at least one candidate reportedly under his wing.
The ongoing talks with potential candidates, including O’Neil and others, underscore the complexities involved in Wolves’ pursuit of a new manager. While the club has a history of turning to Mendes’ network, it remains to be seen who will ultimately take charge at Molineux and whether they will be able to stabilize the club’s precarious position in the Premier League.
A Look Ahead: Wolves’ Managerial Dilemma
As Wolves continue their search for a new manager, the club faces a critical period in which they must quickly turn around their fortunes. The uncertainty surrounding O’Neil’s potential return highlights the challenges facing the club as they attempt to rebuild under new leadership. Whether it’s Erik ten Hag, Rob Edwards, or another figurehead entirely, the pressure is mounting for Wolves to make the right choice and avoid another season of relegation battles.
For now, the club’s supporters will be left wondering who will ultimately be the man to guide them out of their current slump. As always, the clock is ticking for Wolves.
