Wolverhampton Wanderers have been left in shock after Gary O’Neil withdrew from negotiations to become their next head coach. The club had been in talks with O’Neil over the weekend, hoping he would replace Vítor Pereira, who was dismissed after a disappointing run of results. However, just days later, the 42-year-old changed his mind, leaving Wolves searching for a new managerial candidate once again.
O’Neil had initially shown interest in returning to Molineux, where he had spent a brief period as manager last season. The club felt he was the right man to galvanize a squad that had been struggling at the start of the current season. Discussions were progressing, and O’Neil was reportedly finalizing his backroom staff. But, after considering the overwhelming opposition from Wolves supporters, including vocal criticism from the Supporters’ Trust, O’Neil decided to walk away from the deal.
The trust had expressed concerns that reappointing O’Neil would signal a lack of strategic direction for the club. This dissatisfaction from the fanbase added to the pressure, and O’Neil ultimately chose not to take the job. With Wolves now in need of a new head coach, interim appointments have been made, with James Collins, the club’s under-21s head coach, and Richard Walker, head coach of the under-18s, stepping up for the time being.
The club’s search for a permanent manager continues, and one name that has emerged is Rob Edwards, currently head coach at Middlesbrough. Edwards, a former Wolves player and coach, is highly regarded at the club, though any move would require compensation for Boro. Meanwhile, intermediaries have suggested that former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could be an option, though he is not currently under serious consideration.
With a crucial away game against Chelsea looming, Wolves face yet another managerial upheaval as they continue their search for stability at the helm.
