Gary O’Neil has confirmed that his post-match celebration is here to stay, even though it is something that he doesn’t enjoy.
Wolves have overseen some sensational results in recent weeks. O’Neil’s side has managed to get the better of Chelsea and Spurs in the capital as well as overcome West Brom in the FA Cup.
Many player are playing their best football in a Wolves shirt. Joao Gomes was sensational in the 2-1 victory over Spurs. Pedro Neto has also continued his fine form despite spending two months on the sidelines.
The club’s form combined with the nature of the victories has prompted multiple celebrates at full-time from the squad and manager. These have been loved by fans with O’Neil often getting egged on by his team to join in.
When asked about these celebrations before the Sheffield United game at Molineux, the manager had a mixed view of it.
Gary O’Neil’s celebration ‘here to stay’
The celebration was last in action after the Spurs result. Many first-team players could be seen pushing O’Neil to the front of the group to celebrate with the fans after the game.
His three fist pump celebration has already become iconic amongst the Wolves fanbase as the club eyes a European spot.
Speaking to BBC WM about the celebrations O’Neil said: “[I did it] in the West Brom game because I knew how important it was to the fans and a big win for us. And now I am sort of forced to do it.
“The fans seem to enjoy it. I don’t, if I’m honest but the fans seem to enjoy it. And the lads seem keen to push me towards it. It will continue as long as the fans want me to do it and as long as the lads are pushing me towards it, I will keep fist pumping three times if we win.”
Gary O’Neil is forging a real connection with Wolves fans
When O’Neil was appointed back in the summer, few fans were happy. The manager had to do a lot to convince fans he was the right man, especially after the defeat to Ipswich.
However, not only has he won over the majority of fans, he has forged a real connection with them. This has not been seen at the club since Nuno was manager.
It is a credit to O’Neil to rekindle this relationship as it will only help the club push further on. You could argue that this is already evident with plenty of important and iconic victories already coming Wolves’ way this season.
Fans can only hope this continues until the end of the campaign to ensure it becomes one to remember.