Wolves Pull the Trigger: Gary O’Neil Sacked
Inconsistent, unlucky, embarrassing. Wolverhampton Wanderers have parted ways with head coach Gary O’Neil this December 15th, marking an abrupt end to his tenure. Despite being in charge for 16 months, O’Neil struggled to find consistent form with the team, which ultimately led to his dismissal. With Wolves sitting 19th in the Premier League this season, the club now faces a long road ahead for the remainder of the season. The 2-1 defeat at Ipswich proved to be O’Neil's last chance, as Wolves delivered another lackluster performance. Wolves and Ipswich were both competing to edge out of the relegation zone, but in the 94th minute, Wolves allowed Ipswich a decisive header to seal the game. This late collapse has defined Wolves all season, with the players showing no discipline or heart in the final moments. The Wolves board ultimately decided a change was necessary and opted to part ways with O’Neil. Chairman Jeff Shi said, “We’re very grateful to Gary for all of his effort, dedication, and hard work during his time at the club, and we wish him and his team the best of luck for the future.”
Wolves are already in the process of identifying a new head coach, with reports linking Portuguese manager Vitor Pereira as the frontrunner for the role. Known for his tactical expertise and success in European leagues, Pereira is seen as a candidate capable of reviving the squad and steering them out of relegation trouble. Vitor Pereira has been managing Al Shabab since February, guiding them to an eighth-place finish in the Saudi Pro League last season. This campaign, his team currently sits sixth in the league, having secured seven wins from 13 matches. The 56-year-old Portuguese coach has an impressive resume, including back-to-back Primeira Liga titles with Porto in 2012 and 2013, as well as a Greek Super League triumph with Olympiakos in 2015. Wolves are ready to finalize Pereira's appointment quickly, aiming to have him in place before their upcoming match against Leicester City on December 22nd. However, Pereira is still under contract with the Saudi Pro League side, so the Wolves will likely need to pay a release clause or negotiate a compensation package to secure his services.
Wolves appear to be aiming for a manager who can completely change the club's current course, someone who lives and breathes football. “I am unable to separate football and my personal life,” Pereira said. “I take my professional problems home with me. Sometimes I’m at home in body, but I am absent because my mind is thinking about football.” This relentless dedication could be exactly what Wolves need to inspire a struggling squad and reconnect with frustrated fans. This new appointment for a manager isn’t just about filling the role. It's about hiring someone who will dedicate every ounce of energy to steering the team back on course.
Inconsistent, unlucky, embarrassing. This Wolves season has been all of these and more. Will pulling the trigger on O’Neil provide the solution? Can Vitor Pereira, a manager known for his passion and relentless dedication, revive a club desperately searching for answers? Only time will tell if this bold move will be enough to steer Wolves back on course.
