Gary O’Neil seems to be the frontrunner for the Wolves job, in what would be an incredibly unusual turn of events.
There is never a dull day at the club, and sources told Molineux News a deal for O’Neil to come back to Wolves is done.
Fosun and Jeff Shi continue to outdo themselves. Gary O’Neil coming back makes zero sense, especially after his previous comments about the squad’s quality.
Additionally, fans are not inspired by the potential return of O’Neil, signalling a further disconnect from the board and the supporters.
However, it seems to be a deal that is progressing, so let’s take a look at some of the winners and losers from this appointment.
Winners
Joao Gomes
The Brazilian midfielder was a big favourite of Gary O’Neil’s during his tenure, and he really came into his own on the pitch.
Joao Gomes said his bond with the Englishman was close, stating, “He worries a lot more about me than people from my own family, you know? The bond I have with him is great.”
While the return of O’Neil will not inspire fans, the number eight will be delighted he gets to work under him again.
He will likely be the biggest winner across the whole Wolves squad.
Fer Lopez
Fer Lopez never got a chance under Vitor Pereira and had to settle for minimal minutes across cup games and the odd appearance off the bench.
The treatment of the Spaniard was strange, especially considering Wolves need someone with his creativity in the team.
However, with a new manager, Lopez has a chance to kickstart his Wolves career.
Gary O’Neil relied on the quality of Matheus Cunha, and with the Brazilian no longer at the club, Lopez could be the man to step into that shadow.
While not the same type of player, he is the most similar to Cunha, and he could be a big beneficiary.
Losers
Andre
While O’Neil did say that he thought Andre was a quality player, he felt that the Brazilian could not come to terms with his game plan.
And with him now in line to return, Andre will be sweating over the future of his time at the club.
After O’Neil was sacked, Andre admitted life got easier, and the prospect of working under him again will be worrisome.
The Brazilian is a talented player, and while he would have been a winner after Pereira’s sacking, the dial has now turned in the opposite direction.
Jeff Shi
The decision to rehire Gary O’Neil will come back to haunt Jeff Shi, and it does not present well.
Under his last tenure, Shi admitted he should have sacked O’Neil sooner, and that does not bode well for a potential second stint.
He is not a popular man among fans, and this choice is only going to further strain relations.
The executive chairman had a chance for a big win by appointing someone exciting, but an O’Neil return is possibly one of the worst decisions he could have made.
It is all just classic Jeff Shi, isn’t it?