Wolves supporters will have waited patiently after the final whistle for Gary O’Neil to be sacked, yet he remains in the managerial hot seat.
Following harrowing losses to Bournemouth and Everton, Gary O’Neil knew Wolves clash against West Ham was a must-win, not just in the season but to keep his job.
Just as they have done throughout the campaign, the Old Gold showed some promising signs, but ultimately, West Ham secured a 2-1 win over Wolves.
It sparked ugly scenes at the final whistle as Mario Lemina was involved in a scuffle with Jarrad Bowen while O’Neil also updated Wolves fans on his future.
The 41-year-old revealed that, despite their third loss in a row, the board still fully support the manager. Now, it’s emerged why he hasn’t been dismissed.
Wolves are actively seeking Gary O’Neil replacements
Although O’Neil remains in the dugout, the search for a new manager has begun.
Wolves held talks with Graham Potter last month, while former West Ham boss David Moyes has also emerged as a contender.
Wolves are looking for Premier League experience in the hiring process and the above two possess such a quality in abundance.
However, neither Potter nor Moyes wants to work under Fosun, whose self-sustainable model and inability to back the manager isn’t appealing.
As per Sky Sports reporter Johnny Phillips via Blue Sky, the Old Gold are actively seeking a replacement for O’Neil and know that a swift resolution is needed to not alienate the fanbase further.
“Wolves’ head coach situation not pleasant for all involved,” Phillips wrote. “Club actively seeking replacements but aware of the need to get a swift resolution while not further alienating the fanbase, who have become vocal in criticism of Gary O’Neil – who took the West Ham game despite all this.”
Wolves will struggle to find a top O’Neil replacement
O’Neil’s position in the dugout has become untenable. He’s collected just two wins since April, and Wolves have the worst defence in the Premier League.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 17 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 15 | 2 | 7 | 6 | 14 | 20 | -6 | 13 |
| 18 |  IpswichIpswich | 15 | 1 | 6 | 8 | 14 | 27 | -13 | 9 |
| 19 |  WolvesWolves | 15 | 2 | 3 | 10 | 23 | 38 | -15 | 9 |
| 20 |  SouthamptonSouthampton | 15 | 1 | 2 | 12 | 11 | 31 | -20 | 5 |
The Englishman hasn’t been helped by two of his best players being sold in the window without a replacement but, he can have no complaints once he gets sacked, as it seems a matter of when rather than if.
That said, the major stumbling block for Wolves is Fosun in the search for a new manager, as no quality candidate wants to work at a club where their hands would be tied behind their back.
It means finding a manager with Premier League experience who is willing to be the owner’s puppet is near impossible and this explains why there has been a hold-up in dismissing O’Neil.