Wolves release blunt 116-word statement after sacking Gary O’Neil following chaotic Ipswich defeat
WOLVES have released a blunt 116-word statement after sacking manager Gary O’Neil.
The coach was the third to be hit with the axe in the Premier League this season.
O’Neil, 41, has followed the likes of Erik ten Hag and Steve Cooper into unemployment following the West Midlands side’s poor start to the campaign.
Wolves decided to sack O’Neil after the 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town at Molineux Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The club confirmed the decision with a blunt statement that was just 116 words long.
It read: “Wolves have parted company with head coach Gary O’Neil and his backroom staff.
“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.”
The statement included a message of gratitude from club chairman Jeff Shi.
He said: “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.”
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O’Neil was given a stay of execution after the 2-1 loss to West Ham on December 9.
It was thought that he or Julen Lopetegui could have been axed after that game, with the Hammers also struggling.
During the defeat to the Tractor Boys, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was spotted in the stands.
The former Manchester United and Cardiff City manager is believed to be one of the favourites to replace O’Neil.
He would not have been impressed with the reaction from Wolves’ players at full time.
The likes of Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri kicked off in a melee with Ipswich.
Cunha is facing the prospect of a ban from the FA after he appeared to punch and slap a security guard.
While Ait-Nouri had to be restrained by defender Craig Dawson.
It came just 24 hours after Mario Lemina was stripped of the captaincy after his bust-up with Jarrod Bowen in their previous match.
Wolves now face a tough run of fixtures into the new year.
First up is a six-pointer away at Leicester City before clashes against Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest.
Wolves then have a trip to Bristol City in the FA Cup.
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