Gary O’Neil sacked as Wolves manager following Ipswich defeat

Wolves have sacked Gary O’Neil following the team’s 2-1 defeat to Ipswich on Saturday and a run that has seen them win just two of their 16 league games this season.

The club confirmed the news on Sunday with Wolves currently second from bottom on nine points.

Wolves chairman Jeff Shi said in a statement: “We’re very grateful to Gary for all of his effort, dedication and hard work during his time at the club, and we wish him and his team the best of luck for the future.”

We have parted company with head coach Gary O’Neil and his backroom staff.

We thank them for all of their effort and hard work over the last 16 months.

🗞️⤵️

— Wolves (@Wolves) December 15, 2024

The defeat to Ipswich, which saw frustrations boil over at the final whistle following Jack Taylor’s injury-time winner, appeared to be the final straw in what has been a turbulent period for Wolves and O’Neil this term.

Speaking after the game, O’Neil, who guided Wolves to a 14th place finish after taking charge in August 2023 following the departure of Julen Lopetegui, admitted his position might be under threat.

“You either find a way to be good enough or you get replaced, that goes for me and the players,” O’Neil said.

“It’s the nature of the business. It’s a very competitive industry. Change will come if you constantly keep falling below the level.”

The decision comes just days after Shi publicly backed O’Neil and insisted the club were “united” in supporting him.

But four defeats in a row – coming after Wolves’ only two victories of the season, against Southampton and Fulham – appear to have sealed O’Neil’s fate.