Gary O’Neil has withdraw from the race to succeed Vitor Pereira as Wolves coach

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ turbulent start to the Premier League season has taken another twist, as reports suggest that Gary O’Neil has officially withdrawn from contention to become the club’s next head coach. The 42-year-old had held preliminary discussions with Wolves about a possible return to Molineux, less than a year after being dismissed from the same role, but it is now understood that he has decided not to pursue the opportunity further.

The development comes in the wake of Wolves’ continued struggles in the Premier League. The team’s winless run was extended to ten games following a disappointing 2–0 defeat to Fulham on Saturday, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the table and eight points adrift of safety. In response to the poor run of form, the club parted ways with manager Vítor Pereira on Sunday — just weeks after he had signed a new long-term deal.

O’Neil had emerged as one of the leading candidates to replace Pereira, with several reports suggesting that Wolves were keen to bring him back to steady the ship. However, following initial discussions with club officials, the former West Ham midfielder decided to withdraw his interest. Sources close to the situation indicate that O’Neil did not feel the timing was right for a return to Molineux, despite his familiarity with the club and its playing squad.

O’Neil’s previous spell at Wolves came to an abrupt end in December last year. At that time, the club was 19th in the Premier League and four points from safety. Although he was credited with instilling discipline and a more structured style of play, results ultimately failed to improve quickly enough to secure his position. Since his departure, he has been out of management but remains a respected figure in English football due to his earlier work at Bournemouth, where he helped the Cherries avoid relegation during the 2022–23 campaign.

With O’Neil now out of the running, attention has turned to other potential candidates. Middlesbrough boss Rob Edwards had been widely touted as another strong contender, owing to his connection with Wolves from his playing days. Edwards spent four years at Molineux between 2004 and 2008, and his impressive managerial record — which includes guiding Luton Town to Premier League promotion in 2023 — made him a natural name in the conversation.

However, Edwards himself has attempted to downplay the speculation. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Middlesbrough’s Championship fixture against Leicester City on Monday, he revealed that he first heard about the rumours from his daughter.

“I was told by my daughter yesterday, so that probably tells you where I stand on it,” Edwards said with a smile. “You know my links to the club, but my full focus is on this job here — a brilliant job — and on trying to put things right after the weekend.”

Edwards went on to insist that his attention remains solely on Middlesbrough’s campaign. The Teesside club currently sit second in the Championship table, three points behind leaders Coventry City, despite a 3–0 defeat to Watford last time out.

“It’s all speculation anyway,” he added. “I never get drawn into hypothetical stuff. I love being Middlesbrough manager and that’s where my focus is. I haven’t given anything else a single thought.”

Edwards’ managerial journey has been rapid and eventful. After leading Forest Green Rovers to the League Two title in 2022, he endured a brief, ill-fated stint at Watford before being dismissed. However, he quickly rebuilt his reputation by guiding Luton Town to the Premier League just a year later — a remarkable turnaround that cemented his status as one of the brightest young coaches in English football.

Meanwhile, Wolves continue to weigh up their options for a new manager. Alongside Edwards, several other names have emerged in the bookmakers’ odds. Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and current Ferencváros head coach Robbie Keane — who began his professional career at Wolves — are both believed to be under consideration.

Whoever takes over faces a monumental task. Wolves’ morale is low, their performances have lacked consistency, and with ten games gone without a victory, the club is already facing the grim prospect of another relegation battle. Supporters are growing increasingly anxious for a turnaround, but with O’Neil out of the picture and other candidates hesitant to commit, Wolves’ search for stability looks set to continue.