Gary O'Neil Withdraws from Wolves Managerial Consideration
Gary O'Neil has withdrawn from consideration for the managerial position at Wolverhampton Wanderers, despite nearing a surprising return to the club.
The 42-year-old was a candidate to replace Vitor Pereira, just 11 months after his dismissal from the role.
According to sources close to the situation, a significant portion of the agreement had been reached, but O'Neil has decided to step back from the process.
Wolves are continuing discussions with other candidates while they were in talks with O'Neil.
Under the terms of his severance package, O'Neil is still receiving payments from the club following his dismissal last December.
On Sunday, BBC Sport reported that O'Neil, along with Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards, was among the frontrunners to take over at Molineux after Pereira was let go.
Pereira, who succeeded O'Neil last December, was dismissed following a 3-0 defeat to Fulham, which left Wolves at the bottom of the Premier League, eight points adrift of safety.
The team has managed just two points from their first ten games, a record that no Premier League side has ever survived.
Edwards’ current position at Middlesbrough poses challenges, as the club is reportedly entitled to a substantial compensation fee for his release.
Having previously served as Wolves' Under-23 coach and briefly as first-team coach, Edwards distanced himself from the Wolves role, stating, "I was informed by my daughter yesterday, which indicates where I stand on it. My full focus is on my current job, which is excellent, and I am committed to turning things around ahead of a crucial match against Leicester."
Wolves have a history of appointing managers with connections to prominent agent Jorge Mendes, including Nuno Espírito Santo, Bruno Lage, and Pereira. It is understood that, in addition to O'Neil, Wolves are in discussions with at least one manager from Mendes' network.
O'Neil was dismissed by Wolves in December 2024 after a disappointing start to the 2024-25 season, failing to secure a win in their first ten matches.