Wolves face a crucial clash against West Ham on Monday, but uncertainty looms over the future of manager Gary O’Neil.
Despite growing discontent among fans, reports suggest O’Neil is set to remain in charge for the upcoming fixture, though his position is increasingly precarious.
According to talkSPORT, the Wolves hierarchy plans for O’Neil to lead the team at the London Stadium, even as dissatisfaction among match-going supporters has reached a boiling point.
The frustration was palpable after Wolves’ humiliating 4-0 defeat to relegation rivals Everton, which plunged the team to second-from-bottom in the Premier League.
They’ve conceded 36 goals this season, the worst defensive record in the division, and now sit just above Southampton.
Travelling fans made their feelings clear at Goodison Park, booing the team and chanting “Sacked in the morning” at O’Neil. The former Bournemouth boss, however, remains defiant.
“Whatever the fans think of me, there is definitely no-one working harder than me and I will continue to do so until someone tells me not to,” O’Neil said.
“I appreciate every one of the Wolves fanbase. They have given me unbelievable support. Now it’s tough, I am happy to look them in the face and take whatever criticism they throw at me. I accept full responsibility.
“I will work with everything I have. I will back myself to get the most of the group. I understand the drive for change. You never know how much of a percentage of supporters it is, negative noise is always the loudest, but I understand.”
O’Neil, who signed a four-year deal in the summer, led Wolves to a respectable 14th place last season.
However, with just two league wins this term, pressure is mounting. Reports from the Express & Star suggest Wolves are already considering potential replacements, and O’Neil’s position is under “serious threat.”
Nevertheless, Wolves expert Nathan Judah confirmed O’Neil will conduct his pre-match press conference, typically held on Friday. For now, it seems the manager has one final opportunity to turn things around.
Meanwhile, Monday’s opponents West Ham face managerial uncertainty of their own. Julen Lopetegui is reportedly under intense scrutiny after the Hammers’ 3-1 midweek loss to Leicester City, with Sky Sports suggesting his future also hangs in the balance.
As both clubs battle to steady the ship, Monday’s match could have far-reaching consequences for the respective futures of their managers.
