Wolves search for new boss continues as Gary O’Neil walks away from Molineux return

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Gary O’Neil has backed out of talks to finalise a deal to return to Wolverhampton Wanderers as their new manager, sources have confirmed to TBR Football.

O’Neil, who was sacked by Wolves 12-months ago, was set for a dramatic return to the Black Country outfit after holding talks in the last 48 hours.

Wolves axed Vitor Pereira on Sunday following their latest defeat at Fulham – which leaves them four points adrift at the bottom of the Premier League table.

Bottom-of-the-table Wolves still hunting for Pereira replacement

As TBR Football revealed, a host of names had already been considered by owners Fosun, such as Middlesbrough boss Rob Edwards, former Celtic chief Brendan Rodgers and ex-Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
19	Nottingham ForestNottingham Forest	10	1	3	6	7	19	-12	6
20	WolvesWolves	10	0	2	8	7	22	-15	2

But it was O’Neil that had advanced with talks and as TBR Football confirmed, he had agreed to make the return to Wolves.

However, as the club were looking to finalise details – O’Neil has now walked away and ruled himself out of contention.

I am told by sources that Wolves’ hierarchy have been shocked by O’Neil’s decision to withdraw himself from the process, although they also insist that other options were being talked to and talks with other candidates are continuing.

We understand that one of the reasons the talks broke down was over the length of the contract on offer. Wolves wanted O’Neil initially on a deal until the summer. He was open to that, but only with guarantees that a longer contract was on the table if they had stayed up.

Wolves had been hoping to have O’Neil in place before the clash with Chelsea this weekend, but with the international window coming thereafter they have some leeway to get their new man in before their next clash which is a home game with Crystal Palace on November 22nd.