Wolves sack Gary O’Neil after Ipswich defeat

Wolves have dismissed manager Gary O’Neil following Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Ipswich Town, a result that leaves the club 19th in the Premier League, four points from safety.

The defeat marked Wolves’ 11th league loss this season, with only two wins to their name.

Wolves chairman Jeff Shi thanked O’Neil and his staff for their “effort, dedication, and hard work” and wished them well for the future. The decision comes just days after Shi publicly expressed unity behind O’Neil following Monday’s 2-1 loss at West Ham.

O’Neil, 41, took charge just before the 2023-24 season, replacing Julen Lopetegui. Despite finishing 14th last season, Wolves have struggled this term, conceding a league-high 40 goals and letting in two or more goals in 13 of their 16 matches.

Their recent poor form includes losses to Bournemouth, Everton, West Ham, and Ipswich.

The club has also faced off-field turmoil. Mario Lemina was stripped of the captaincy after an altercation with West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen. On Saturday, Rayan Ait-Nouri was sent off in the tunnel after a clash with Ipswich’s Wes Burns, while Matheus Cunha scuffled with Ipswich security and striker Liam Delap post-match.

O’Neil described his time coaching the squad as “the biggest struggle” of his career. His departure follows a brief but challenging tenure, mirroring his previous year at Bournemouth, where he kept the club up before being replaced by Andoni Iraola.