Wolves: Why as Gary O’Neil sacked?
O’Neal was well-liked and loyal to the players, but decision-makers had no choice. Eleven losses in the opening 16 games of the season continue a worrying trend that began at the end of last season.
O’Neal was once on the verge of collapse. Sources have told BBC Sport O’Neill’s side admit their failure to beat Southampton on November 9 could be over. A 2-0 win over Fulham that same month, and a surprise 4-1 victory over Fulham, put it all on hold.
In the end, they lost 2-4 at home to Bournemouth, conceding three penalties, and Everton’s disastrous defeat meant that changes to the team were almost inevitable.
O’Neill leaves Wolves with just two wins and one more game against Leicester City before Christmas.
The loyalty shown by Stone and athletic director Matt Hobbs will be questioned, but the Wolves have been in this situation before, finishing second from last two years ago and replacing Julen Lowe. Petrgui replaces Bruno Lage. They know that a mid-season change can pay off, even if it costs little this time around.
O’Neill laments losing ‘£200m of talent’ after defeat to West Ham Criticism of ownership is thinly veiled.
O’Neal has always worked within those constraints. Just last month, he spoke of the club still struggling to adjust to new financial realities despite almost £100m in funding from the sales of Max Kilman and Pedro Neto, coupled with the addition of a reckless The exits of Ben Neves and Matheus Nunes raised £100m. 2023.
“We’re still trying to stabilize the situation. Progress comes after that. Discussions around the club’s progress will come later,” O’Neill said.
The requirement to stay within the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) meant Wolves sold valuable assets, with Neves and Nunez leaving last year.
Gone are the days of consecutive seventh-place finishes and progression to the Europa League quarter-finals under Nuno Espirito Santo. Instead, they face a battle for survival without the ability to spend £30-40m on players.
The Wolves are struggling to find their new identity, and O’Neal might say he has become a victim of the process.
