With 2023 soon coming to an end, we examine three aims Gary O’Neil will be looking to achieve in the new year.
It is no secret that 2023 has been a lively one for Wolves fans.
Over the past 12 months, the club has had two managers, fought a relegation battle, had captain and modern-day legend Ruben Neves leave and has also received multiple apologies from the PGMOL.
After a car crash of a summer where FFP problems overshadowed preseason, O’Neil has now steadied the ship at the club.
Wolves now look to be climbing up the table and are far away from any relegation fears that fans had at the start of the campaign.
With optimism now rising, here are three things that O’Neil should aspire to achieve over the next 12 months.
Wolves need a big cup run
A cup run is needed at Wolves.
With the club looking increasingly unlikely to be involved in any relegation battle this season, an FA Cup run would be fantastic.
While Wolves did get a tricky tie away to Brentford in the third round, it is certainly a winnable one.
The club are yet to lose a game at the Brentford Community Stadium after a 2-1 win in the 2021/22 season as well as a 1-1 draw in the last campaign.
The last time the two sides clashed Wolves also came out on top with a 2-0 victory.
The furthest round Wolves have reached since their semi-final defeat to Watford was the fifth round when they lost to Southampton in 2021.
Therefore a good run is well overdue, especially when it is a competition Wolves could easily do well in.
Hwang Hee-Chan needs to be tied down at Wolves
The South Korean international has been on fire for Wolves this season.
Hwang netted once again versus Burnley to take his goal tally up to nine this campaign in all competitions.
Even with Pedro Neto out injured, the attacker has continued to step up and scored multiple vital goals so far.
It is inevitable that other clubs will soon come and try and sway Hwang away from Wolves and O’Neil needs to stop that before it becomes a problem
A new, long-term contract would quickly cement his future at Wolves and based on his recent form, he certainly deserves it.
Talks have apparently started and the sooner an agreement is met, the better.
Securing top-half Premier League football
Returning to the top half of the table must be Wolves’ overall aim by the end of 2024.
Since returning to the Premier League, the club had consistently competed against the best in the division.
This even saw Wolves achieve European football for the 2019/20 season.
However, since Bruno Lage’s downfall, the club had mainly been concerned about remaining in the Premier League.
Now O’Neil has helped turn a new corner at Wolves, there is no reason why he can’t take them to the top half once again.
The team has competed in almost every game so far this season and could well achieve a top-half by the end of the current campaign.