Wolves consult senior players as they target surprise return of Gary O'Neil just 11 months after he was sacked in huge gamble by the club

Wolves have consulted senior players on the prospect of Gary O’Neil returning to the club as manager.

O’Neil, who was sacked only 11 months ago, is believed to have held positive discussions with Wolves officials about replacing Vitor Pereira – who was hired when O’Neil was dismissed last December.

The matter has not been finalised and Wolves are maintaining dialogue with alternative candidates. Yet Daily Mail Sport understands that the views of key members of the squad have been sought on the possible re-appointment of O’Neil.

Since the 42-year-old departed, there have been significant changes at Wolves. Within the current squad, there are only 12 first-teamers who worked with O’Neil first time around.

O’Neil made an initial positive impact after joining Wolves on the eve of the 2023-24 season and was rewarded with a four-year deal in summer 2024.

But with Wolves in a relegation fight and discipline falling apart within the squad, O'Neil was dismissed last December.

Reuniting would be a gamble for both O’Neil and Wolves. Results and performances at the start of the 2024-25 campaign saw O'Neil's reputation take a nosedive among fans, many of whom have long been fed up with owners Fosun. Unless O’Neil could turn things around quickly, the atmosphere at Molineux would likely become even more poisonous – which must surely enter the thinking of both O’Neil and executive chairman Jeff Shi.

O'Neil has not worked since he left Wolves, despite being linked with a number of roles, mainly in the Championship.

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.

Heading into Saturday's match at Chelsea, Wolves are already eight points adrift of safety.

One of O’Neil best days as Wolves boss was a 4-2 win at Stamford Bridge in February 2024. Whoever assumes the role, results like that will be needed if Wolves are to have any chance of staying up.