Wolves Part Way With O’Neil After Losing Streak

Following a losing streak that left Wolverhampton Wanderers in the relegation zone and four points outside of safety, the Premier League team confirmed on Sunday that manager Gary O’Neil had been fired.

With just two victories from 16 games this season, Wolves’ 2-1 home loss to Ipswich Town on Saturday extended their losing skid to four league games, dropping them to 19th place in the standings with nine points.

In addition to having off-field problems—Mario Lemina was relieved of captaincy following a confrontation with Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United—they have let up a league-worst 40 goals.

“Wolves have parted company with head coach Gary O’Neil and his backroom staff,” the club said in a statement.

With difficult games against Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur later this month, Wolves’ next game is away against Leicester City on December 22.

Despite losing their first ten league games, Wolves’ victory against Southampton and Fulham last month seemed to have somewhat relieved the pressure.

But following four straight losses in their previous four games, O’Neil was fired, days after club chairman Jeff Shi had defended the manager in the face of harsh fan criticism.

“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,” Shi said.

Just before the season began, Wolves hired O’Neil, a former Bournemouth manager with a contract through 2026, when Spaniard Julen Lopetegui, who is currently at West Ham United, left the team due to disagreements with the board.

The Midlands team’s 14th-place finish from the previous season was their lowest since their 2018 promotion.

In 63 games as Wolves’ manager, Englishman O’Neil recorded 20 victories, 11 draws, and 32 losses.

After Erik ten Hag and Steve Cooper, he is the third Premier League manager fired this season.