3
Former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has reportedly withdrawn his candidacy to return to Molineux, as stated by BBC Sport.
The 42-year-old was nearing an agreement to succeed Vitor Pereira, who was ousted following a 3-0 loss at Fulham, leaving Wolves at the bottom of the league with only two points from ten matches. However, insiders have confirmed that despite progress in discussions, O’Neil, who was dismissed by Wolves last December, has stepped away from the negotiation process.
O’Neil, still receiving payments from his one-year severance deal, had initially shown interest in a return after a lengthy absence from management. His emergence as a potential candidate came as a surprise to many, both within the club and beyond, especially given the circumstances of his departure and his previously tense relationship with executive chairman Jeff Shi, who acknowledged that Wolves “did not act early enough” in ending his tenure.
The focus will now shift to other potential candidates, with Erik ten Hag, recently dismissed by Bayer Leverkusen after a short stint, being considered. Rob Edwards, currently managing Middlesbrough, is also a contender but may pose a challenge due to his compensation requirements.
Wolves’ current struggles mirror O’Neil’s difficult start, as the team has failed to secure a win in their first ten league matches once again. His withdrawal adds to the club’s ongoing search for a new head coach amid rising uncertainty and increasing fears of relegation.
GFN | Finn Entwistle