​DO Exclusive: O'Neill Withdraws from Wolves Managerial Race; Club Now Set to Approach Ten Hag

November 4 – In an exclusive report by David Ornstein, The Athletic's lead journalist, Gary O'Neill has withdrawn from the race to become Wolverhampton Wanderers' new head coach following preliminary discussions.  

Sources familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the situation publicly, revealed that the 42-year-old coach believes now is not the right time for him to take charge at Wolves.  

The Athletic reported earlier on Monday that the former Wolves manager had been in advanced talks with the club regarding a return to Molineux, following Vitor Pereira's dismissal on Sunday.  

Pereira was sacked just 45 days after signing a new three-year contract with Wolves, following Saturday's away defeat to Fulham which left the club at the bottom of the Premier League table.  

O'Neill has been out of work since his dismissal by Wolves in December 2024, having previously managed the club for 16 months. He notably led the team to a 14th-place finish in the 2023-24 season.  

Erik ten Hag has also emerged as a candidate, with internal discussions taking place at Wolves about the former Manchester United manager and expressions of interest in holding advanced talks.  

Currently, U21 head coach James Collins and U18 head coach Richard Walker are overseeing first-team duties while the club searches for a permanent appointment.  

The Athletic revealed on Sunday that Rob Edwards is also under consideration, while Michael Carrick remains another favored option within the club.  

Wolves are without a Premier League victory since their win against Leicester City on April 26, having gone 14 league matches without a win. They are scheduled to face Chelsea on Saturday.  

Source: The Athletic