TOM COLLOMOSSE: Gary O’Neil has steadied Wolves after taking over from Julen Lopetegui… but if his side continue their current form, starting with a win against Fulham, he could be a contender for manager of the year
- Wolves play Fulham on Monday evening in the hope of securing their fifth league win
- Gary O’Neil has impressed after replacing Julen Lopetegui
- IAN LADYMAN: It’s nonsense to make a fuss about Chris Kavanagh’s birthplace IAKO
When Gary O’Neil replaced Julen Lopetegui as Wolves manager, many supporters expected a miserable season in the battle against relegation.
O’Neil had been hired just five days before Wolves’ opening match at Manchester United against a backdrop of pessimism and cost-cutting, with captain Ruben Neves sold as the club tried to comply with Financial Fair Play limits.
Three months later, Wolves are safely in mid-table after memorable wins over Manchester City and Tottenham. It’s still early to hand out Manager of the Year awards, but if he continues at this pace, O’Neil will be among the contenders.
If Wolves, who travel to Fulham on Monday evening, had not suffered poor refereeing decisions, they would be even higher in the table.
“Everything we do is detailed,” midfielder Tommy Doyle said.
Gary O’Neil took over from Julen Lopetegui at the start of the season and has helped Wolves secure their position in the mid-table of the Premier League
Wolves take on Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday evening, coming into contention on the back of a 2-1 win over Tottenham at Molineux
Midfielder Tommy Doyle claimed it was an ‘exciting time’ to be at the club as Wolves have now also beaten Premier League champions Man City
“The auditorium sessions are as you can imagine: seeing what we can do and figuring out how to hurt them. It’s fun. It’s an exciting time to be here.”
O’Neil has recaptured the best of Pedro Neto, Hwang Hee-chan has found a form he never seemed capable of under Bruno Lage and Lopetegui, as has Rayan Ait-Nouri.
Lopetegui gave his heart and soul to Wolves but there was always the feeling he had set his sights when he moved to Molineux.
O’Neil is the opposite and sees this as his chance to make a long-term impact as Premier League boss.
O’Neil has brought out the best in his stars Pedro Neto (L) and Hwang Hee-Chan (R)
