Wolves sack coach Gary O’Neil after Ipswich defeat

Wolverhampton Wanderers, English Premier League club, have sacked their head coach Gary O’Neil.

The 41-year-old was sacked on Sunday alongside his backroom staff.

O’Neil leaves in the wake of Wolves’ 2-1 home loss to promoted side Ipswich Town on Saturday, the result which is the latest in the Midland club’s poor run of form.

He becomes the third manager sacked in the EPL this season, joining Erik ten Hag and Gary Cooper of Manchester United and Leicester City respectively.

O’Neil was handed the job four days to the start of last season and went on to guide Wolves to a 14th-place finish.

However, a poor defence has led the club to concede the highest number of goals so far this season — 40 goals.

Wolves suffered their 11th EPL defeat of the season in front of their fans to newly-promoted Ipswich Town, and have managed only two wins in 16 matches.

In the statement announcing the head coach’s departure, the club was silent on the season’s poor performances.

“Wolves have parted company with head coach Gary O’Neil and his backroom staff,” the statement reads.

“O’Neil arrived at Molineux just three days before the start of the 2023/24 Premier League season, taking on a significant challenge and ultimately guiding the Old Gold to a successful campaign.

“During his first season at the helm, Wolves beat Manchester City and won impressively at Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as rivals West Bromwich Albion during a journey to the FA Cup quarter-finals.”

Jeff Shi, the club’s chairman, also appreciated the former Bournemouth coach for his “effort” and “hard work” at the helm.

“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,” Shi said.

The club also did not mention a successor or the caretaker team to take charge until a new manager is appointed.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are currently in the relegation zone, sitting in 19th place with only nine points.