10 hours ago
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Gary O'Neil appears unlikely to return to Wolves as manager amid opposition from fans and uncertainty among some players.
Despite being sacked only 11 months ago, the 42-year-old held positive talks with Wolves hierarchy earlier on Monday about replacing Vitor Pereira. Pereira had succeeded O’Neil last December, only to be sacked following last Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Fulham.
But O’Neil is now thought no longer to be in the race for the job. The idea he might return caused significant unrest among an already disgruntled fan base, and Daily Mail Sport understands certain players had doubts about bringing back a manager who had struggled so badly during the early months of the 2024-25 campaign.
It is not known whether these factors have influenced the change of heart.
Wolves travel to Chelsea on Saturday and hope to have a new manager in place by then. Though the club would prefer not to have to pay compensation, they may have to accept this option to land a preferred candidate.
Middlesbrough boss Rob Edwards is another name discussed and has links with Wolves, both as a player and a coach, though Wolves would have to pay to release him from his contract.
Wolves had consulted senior players on the prospect of Gary O’Neil returning to the club
O'Neil had been in talks with Wolves over replacing Vitor Pereira, who was sacked on Sunday
The new manager's first job would be to revive a squad who looked utterly bereft during last Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Fulham, which turned out to be Pereira's final match.
In 2022-23 and during last season, Wolves backed a new manager in January and that investment helped them pull clear of relegation. In the meantime, coaches Richard Walker and James Collins will lead first team training.
