Wolves Manager Gary O’Neil Faces Mounting Pressure From Frustrated Fans

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil found himself under fire from his own supporters following a humiliating 4-0 loss to Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday evening. The defeat, which saw defender Craig Dawson score two own goals, has left O’Neil’s future at the club in doubt, with fans chanting for his dismissal.

Despite leading Wolves to a 14th-place finish last season, 20 points clear of the relegation zone, O’Neil now faces a turning tide as his team sits 19th in the Premier League, three points from safety. The loss to Everton marked Wolves’ ninth defeat in 14 games, their worst start to a top-flight season since 2010-11.

O’Neil, who took over the reins at Molineux last year, went to applaud the traveling supporters at full-time but was met with jeers and chants calling for his sacking. “I go over there to see them because I appreciate every single one of the Wolves fanbase,” O’Neil said. “They have given me unbelievable support since I arrived at the football club.”

The 39-year-old manager reflected on the team’s past successes, saying, “We managed to produce some unbelievable stuff last season – away at Chelsea, Tottenham and West Brom – with a team that was heavily tipped by most of the nation for relegation, but we were nowhere near it, ever.”

O’Neil accepted responsibility for the team’s current struggles and vowed to continue working hard to turn things around. “I understand how difficult this role is because I know every single detail at this football club and the dressing room, but that is my job, which is what I signed up for and what I need to do,” he said.

Wolves’ defensive woes have been a significant concern, with the team conceding a league-high 36 goals in 14 games, six more than bottom-placed Southampton. The last time Wolves let in this many goals at this stage of a top-flight season was in 1964-65 when they were relegated.

When asked if he believes he is the right man to lead the club forward, O’Neil backed himself, saying, “I will back myself in any role given to get the most out of the group.” He acknowledged the fans’ desire for change but maintained that the playing group remains united behind him.

As Wolves prepare to face West Ham on Monday, whose manager Julen Lopetegui is also under pressure, O’Neil’s future hangs in the balance. The match has been dubbed ‘El Sackico’ by some, given the precarious positions of both managers.

O’Neil remains determined to prove his worth and turn Wolves’ season around, but with fan discontent growing and results not improving, the young manager faces an uphill battle to keep his job and steer the club to safety.