Wolves have parted ways with manager Gary O’Neil following their 2-1 loss to Ipswich Town on Saturday.
The 41-year-old’s dismissal, along with his backroom staff, comes just three days after club chairman Jeff Shi expressed public support for O’Neil, stating the club was “united” behind him after Monday’s 2-1 defeat to West Ham.
Saturday’s loss marked Wolves’ 11th Premier League defeat of the season, leaving them with only two wins and sitting 19th in the table, four points adrift of safety.
Wolves 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.”
Gary O’Neil took charge of Wolves just four days before the 2023-24 season began, replacing Julen Lopetegui. Despite the late appointment, Wolves managed to finish 14th under his leadership.
This season, however, started disastrously, with the team losing seven and drawing one of their first eight league games. A brief resurgence, including a four-game unbeaten run with back-to-back wins over Southampton and Fulham, suggested Wolves were turning a corner.
Unfortunately, that progress unraveled with a series of defeats, including losses to Bournemouth, a heavy beating by Everton, and subsequent setbacks against West Ham and Ipswich. Defensive frailties have been a major issue, with Wolves conceding a league-high 40 goals, letting in two or more goals in 13 of their 16 matches.
Saturday’s loss to Ipswich epitomized their struggles. A Matt Doherty own goal put Wolves behind, and although Matheus Cunha equalized, Jack Taylor’s 93rd-minute header sealed the defeat.
Off-field problems have compounded Wolves’ woes. Mario Lemina was stripped of the captaincy following an altercation with West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen. On Saturday, Rayan Aït-Nouri received a second yellow card in the tunnel after clashing with Wes Burns, while Matheus Cunha was involved in a scuffle with Ipswich’s security, reportedly ripping off one guard’s glasses, and clashing with striker Liam Delap.
After the Ipswich defeat, O’Neil admitted he had “never had such a struggle” coaching a group of players.
Before joining Wolves, O’Neil managed Bournemouth for the 2022-23 season, where he successfully steered the club away from relegation. Despite his achievement, he was dismissed and replaced by Andoni Iraola.