Gary O’Neil Explains Wolves Snub as Edwards Nears the Hot Seat

Gary O’Neil lifted the lid live on Sky Sports about why he swerved a rapid return to Wolves — on the night they were comfortably beaten 3-0 by Chelsea. Prompted by host David Jones, the 42-year-old struck a composed tone: talks happened, the affection for Wolves is still there, but the move didn’t add up for him at this moment.

Talks held, terms the stumbling block

After Vitor Pereira was dismissed in the wake of a damaging defeat to Fulham — leaving Wolves winless through ten Premier League matches — the hierarchy made O’Neil their first pick to replace him. Discussions advanced, but he ultimately withdrew as personal terms were being hashed out. He’s not about to take a seat on sentiment alone; the project, the people and the package must align before he commits.

O’Neil’s measured stance

O’Neil made clear his fondness for the club — the supporters, the staff, the lot — yet he’s been deliberately selective since stepping away from his last role, speaking to several teams and biding his time. Returning to a former club wasn’t the sticking point; he’s seen managers yo-yo between rivals before from his days working with Harry Redknapp. He backs himself to handle any brief, but it has to tick the right boxes, and this one didn’t — not now.

Edwards on the brink

With O’Neil choosing not to proceed, Middlesbrough boss Rob Edwards is expected to take charge at Molineux, with a deal between the clubs already in place. The assignment is stark: Wolves sit bottom of the Premier League with a single point from 11 games, and Edwards is tipped to be in the dugout after the international break when Crystal Palace visit.

Pundit’s view: what Wolves need now

Edwards inherits a side short on belief and structure. Priority one: tighten the distances between lines, get a coordinated press, and re-establish Molineux as a hostile venue. Keep it simple — clean sheets and set-piece discipline before anything fancy. If the board want a bounce, proper backing in January is essential.

What it means for O’Neil

For O’Neil, patience beats panic. The next job will be one with a clear plan upstairs and a squad that fits his principles. For those tracking the managerial markets, you’ll find the latest prices via our best betting sites hub.