Gary O’Neil withdraws from Wolves head coach process after initial talks

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Gary O’Neil has withdrawn himself from the Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach hiring process after initial talks.

Sources briefed on the process, speaking anonymously as they were not authorised to publicly discuss matters, told The Athletic that the 42-year-old did not feel the opportunity was right for him at this time.

The Athletic reported earlier on Monday that the former Wolves boss was advancing in conversations with the club over a return to Molineux after Vitor Pereira’s dismissal on Sunday. Pereira was sacked only 45 days into a new three-year contract, following a defeat at Fulham on Saturday that left his side bottom of the Premier League.

O’Neil has been out of work since being sacked by Wolves in December 2024, having spent a 16-month spell in charge. He had previously taken the side to a 14th-placed finish in the 2023-24 campaign.

Erik ten Hag is among the other candidates, with Wolves discussing the former Manchester United boss internally and expressing an interest to hold discussions. Under-21 head coach James Collins and under-18 head coach Richard Walker are leading the first team as they work on a permanent appointment.

The Athletic revealed on Sunday that Rob Edwards was also in contention, while Michael Carrick is another admired.

Wolves are without a win in the top flight since the victory over Leicester City on April 26 — a run of 14 league games in total. They are next in action against Chelsea on Saturday.