Wolves announce Gary O’Neil as new head coach ahead of Premier League season
Wolves in action Credit: Al Robinson (ETPhotos)
Wolverhampton Wanderers have confirmed the appointment of Gary O’Neil as their head coach, sealing a three-year deal, after the departure of Julen Lopetegui yesterday.
O'Neil, aged 40, arrives at Molineux following a tenure with AFC Bournemouth, where he not only rejuvenated the team after a devastating 9-0 defeat against Liverpool but also ensured their stay in the top-flight league.
This move to Wolves marks O’Neil as the youngest manager at the club in this millennium. Furthermore, he breaks a six-year-long trend, emerging as the first permanent British coach at the helm in recent times.
Having previously enjoyed an illustrious career as a player, O'Neil boasts over 200 Premier League appearances for clubs such as Portsmouth and West Ham United.
Post-retirement, he embarked on his coaching journey with Liverpool’s under-23s in 2020. The subsequent year saw him join Bournemouth's coaching staff.
After initially working alongside Scott Parker and playing a pivotal role in Bournemouth's promotion, he took the managerial reins just four games into the new season.
The coach's exit from Bournemouth post-season paved the way for this fresh challenge with Wolves.
Expressing his enthusiasm about the appointment, Wolves’ Sporting Director, Matt Hobbs, shared with the press, “We’re delighted to welcome Gary to the club. He’s a highly motivated young coach with strong principles and very well thought of by everyone he has worked with, and we’re excited to see what we can achieve together at Wolves."
Emphasizing the potential O'Neil brings, Hobbs added, "Our players have shown their quality during pre-season, and I believe Gary and his team will continue to coach and improve them and will have success working with this group. Everyone at Wolves is looking forward to welcoming Gary, offering him their full support and working collaboratively to help the club to keep pushing forward together.”
