FootyChatter.com

Gary O'Neil replaced Julen Lopetegui as manager of Wolves in August 2023 Wolves have sacked manager Gary O'Neil in the wake of Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Ipswich Town. 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. " The departure of the 41-year-old and his backroom staff comes just three days after Shi said the club were "united" behind O'Neil following Monday's 2-1 defeat at West Ham. Saturday's defeat was their 11th in the Premier League this season - they have had only two wins - and leaves the Black Country club 19th, four points from safety. O'Neil replaced Julen Lopetegui just four days before the start of the 2023-24 season, with Wolves going on to finish 14th. Why did time run out for O'Neil at Wolves? This video can not be played Match of the Day: Conceding, cracks and fighting - are Wolves 'falling apart'? Wolves began this season poorly, losing seven and drawing one of their first eight league games. A run of four games unbeaten, including successive wins over Southampton and Fulham, suggested a corner had been turned. But they were beaten by Bournemouth and then lost heavily to Everton before defeats by the Hammers and Ipswich. They have also struggled defensively, having conceded a league-high 40 goals and let in two or more goals in 13 of their 16 matches. On Saturday, they went behind through a Matt Doherty own goal and although Matheus Cunha hit back, they were undone by Jack Taylor's 93rd-minute header. In addition, the Molineux club has struggled with off-field issues, with Mario Lemina being stripped of the captaincy after an altercation with West Ham United's Jarrod Bowen on Monday. On Saturday, Rayan Ait-Nouri was sent off in the tunnel for a second yellow card after clashing with Wes Burns, while Cunha fought with Ipswich's security, barging into one before ripping his glasses off his face, as well as striker Liam Delap. In the wake of the defeat, O'Neil said he had "never had such a struggle" to coach a group of players. Prior to Wolves, he had a year-long spell at Bournemouth in the 2022-23 season, helping the south coast club avoid relegation before being sacked and replaced by Andoni Iraola. This video can not be played 'I have never had such a struggle' - O'Neil disappointed after Wolves lose against Ipswich Many of the names being linked with the job are currently out of work - with Wolves not having an excess of money to splash out on compensation fees. But the Athletic is reporting that they are working on a deal for 56-year-old Portuguese Vitor Pereira, who manages Saudi team Al-Shabab. Former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had been installed as the early bookmakers' favourite. He was at Wolves' defeat by Ipswich, although as a guest of his friend, Town manager Kieran Mc Kenna. Carlos Corberan, who manages rivals West Brom, Blackburn boss John Eustace and unemployed quartet David Moyes, Sergio Conceicao, Steve Cooper and Mark Robins were also short odds. Other names who have been linked are Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho, fellow ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter and Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick. Ex-Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand and Kjetil Knutsen, who has managed Bodo/Glimt in Norway since 2018, have also been mentioned. Wolves fans - how do you feel about O'Neil's sacking? Who would you like to see replace him, and what does his replacement need to do? Have your say here Latest Wolves news, analysis and fan views Get Wolves news sent straight to your phone Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser Premier League: Sarr doubles Crystal Palace lead at Brighton - radio and text Wolves sack manager O'Neil 'It's fine to ban ruthless talk, but England should never be careless' An epic story of life, love and loss A star-studded adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's timeless novel set in nineteenth-century Russia The long history of UFOs in the United States Don explores the origins of the 'flying saucer' and the end of the stigma against researching UFOs Strike and Robin tackle their latest thrilling case Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger star in another masterful Robert Galbraith mystery The hidden scandal of Power of Attorney How one man controls the finances of vulnerable people Usyk v Fury 2 - all you need to know 'The award goes to. .. ' - England Test team's year in gongs Voyce - a wing who took flight with Wasps The best pictures from the 2024 F1 season 'I want Maddy's death to lead to more support for girls playing football' Sonic & Knuckles make me fear for my Bills in 'Super Bowl rehearsal' Who is Juan Soto? And why is he paid so much? Is Man Utd keeper Onana part of problem or solution for Amorim? Why Alvarez is making Guardiola's 'mistake' fear come true Six countries, two hemispheres - how will 2030 World Cup work? Inside Monaco's academy - where future stars are forged Why Raducanu is giving herself a 'pat on the back' for 2024 Hamilton to Ferrari and what else to look out for in 2025 Who are the World Sport Star of the Year contenders? © 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.