Wolves could soon be in the hunt for a new manager as Gary O’Neil is on the verge of being sacked.
O’Neil has been under pressure for a while now after a torrid start to the season.
Wolves have the worst set-piece record in Europe, conceding 11 goals from dead-ball situations, and their 36 goals shipped in the Premier League is the most of any side.
The Old Gold let in another four on Wednesday night after being thrashed by Everton, and the fans demanded O’Neil be sacked at full-time.
Fosun appears to be just wasting time as it emerged O’Neil could be shown the Wolves’ exit door regardless of Monday night’s result against West Ham.
Wolves want to get a manager in place before giving him the boot, and now it’s been made clear what they require from any potential candidate.
Wolves require Gary O’Neil’s replacement to have Premier League experience
The owners are already assessing the market for a new manager and a few names have so far emerged as possible replacements.
Wolves held talks with Graham Potter last month, but there is already a stumbling block in that deal, as Potter doesn’t want to work under Fosun.
The former Chelsea boss isn’t the only one, as David Moyes isn’t fond of the Wolves owners, particularly given the limited transfer budget on offer and the sell-to-buy model.
Moyes and Potter appearing on their radar perhaps suggest the Wanderers are looking at a manager who possesses Premier League experience, and that has been confirmed by journalist Liam Keen.
Speaking on the E&S podcast, he said the priority is bringing in someone who can fix their defence and work under difficult circumstances.
“Yeah, I think they’ll need someone pragmatic, someone who can stop a defence. There’s conceded 36 goals in the Premier League. That’s going to be a massive, massive priority,” Keen said.
“Someone who is willing to work under the circumstances that they will find themselves in, and someone who is going to be experienced enough in English football to get this team out of a relegation battle.
“So I think all of those things are going to be massive factors for whoever the next person is. That takes charge, provided Gary O’Neil is sacked.”
Wolves rule out former managerial target Sergio Conceicao
A managerial target that is well-known within the fanbase from previous years is Portuguese boss Sergio Conceicao, who is currently out of work after leaving Porto in the summer.
Wolves wanted Conceicao in May 2021 to replace Nuno Espirito Santo but nothing materialised on that occasion.
Conceicao was linked with Wolves again following the sacking of Bruno Lage in October 2022, although the Wanderers ended up acquiring Spaniard Julen Lopetegui.
| Sergio Conceicao at FC Porto |
| Games managed – 379 |
| Wins – 274 |
| Draws – 53 |
| Losses – 52 |
| Win rate – 72.3% |
| Trophies won – 11 |
A three-time league title winner with Porto, Conceicao could now replace Lopetegui at West Ham, with the former Wolves manager under severe pressure like O’Neil.
With the Old Gold favouring a manager having experience in English football to drag them out of the mud, perhaps this rules out any chance of Wolves going for the Portuguese tactician.