EPL Index
·15 December 2024
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·15 December 2024
Wolves have reportedly dismissed Gary O’Neil following a challenging start to their Premier League campaign. With the club languishing in 19th place after 16 matches, this decision, as reported by The Telegraph, underscores the mounting pressure on clubs fighting for survival.
Gary O’Neil’s time at Molineux has been anything but smooth. Appointed with the hope of steering Wolves into mid-table safety, O’Neil instead oversaw a stuttering campaign that has left the team in a precarious position. Currently sitting second from bottom, Wolves have managed just nine points all season, and a late 2-1 defeat to Ipswich appears to have sealed his fate.
Photo: IMAGO
The match against West Ham on December 9, dubbed “El Sackico” by pundits due to the pressure on both O’Neil and Julen Lopetegui, marked a crucial turning point. Wolves’ loss that day handed Lopetegui a lifeline but further highlighted O’Neil’s struggles. According to The Telegraph, the Ipswich defeat—with a last-minute goal proving decisive—was the final straw for the Wolves hierarchy.
Adding intrigue to the situation was the presence of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the Ipswich game. The former Manchester United manager, who has been out of the managerial spotlight since leaving Old Trafford, was seen at Portman Road. However, The Daily Mail clarified that his visit was purely social, as he was catching up with Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna, who worked under him at United.
Reports suggest Solskjaer is not in the running for the Wolves job, despite speculation. Instead, attention has turned to other candidates, with former Porto manager Sergio Conceicao emerging as a potential option. According to TEAMtalk, Conceicao is interested in managing in the Premier League but has also been linked with West Ham, which could complicate Wolves’ pursuit of the Portuguese tactician.
The decision to sack O’Neil reflects the urgency at Molineux to arrest their slide and avoid relegation. A new appointment must strike the balance between tactical acumen and the ability to galvanise a demoralised squad. Wolves’ fans will hope the club acts decisively, as the January transfer window could provide an opportunity to strengthen a side that has struggled to find consistency.
Photo: IMAGO
Sergio Conceicao’s name may lead the rumour mill, but Wolves’ immediate focus will likely be on stabilising results. Whether through an interim solution or a long-term appointment, the Wolves board must act swiftly to provide clarity and direction in a turbulent campaign.
The decision to part ways with Gary O’Neil feels like an inevitability after a string of disappointing results. However, the lingering question remains: can the club secure a manager capable of reversing their fortunes?
While fans may dream of a big-name appointment, the focus must remain on pragmatic solutions. Sergio Conceicao’s name is an exciting one, given his track record at Porto, but Wolves’ precarious league position may not make them an appealing destination for such a high-profile manager.
In the short term, Wolves need stability. A proven figure in the relegation battle trenches—someone like Sean Dyche or Sam Allardyce—might feel less glamorous but could provide the immediate impact required. Meanwhile, the January transfer window looms large, and strengthening the squad will be paramount to giving the new manager a fighting chance.
Wolves fans, though frustrated, will be hoping for swift action from the board. A timely appointment and a clear strategy for the second half of the season could be the difference between survival and relegation.