'It's a tough job... O'Neil deserves time at Wolves'

A Wolves-related question was put to chief football writer Phil McNulty in Monday's Q&A.

Richard asked: After the international break, Wolves have Manchester City at home and Brighton away. The imbalanced opening fixtures list is then addressed with eight consecutive games against bottom-half teams. Should Gary O'Neil be given time to try to turn the corner? If so, how long?

Phil answered: There is no getting away from what a poor start this has been for Wolves, with O'Neil himself expressing his disappointment at how far away his side were from what he expects when losing 5-3 at Brentford - and don't forget they also shipped six at home to Chelsea.

All the indications from Molineux at the moment are that they are solidly behind O'Neil. He signed a new four-year deal in August and the club have publicly declared their support for him again recently.

To give context, it's a tough job for O'Neil. Don't forget he lost two very important players in defender Max Kilman and winger Pedro Neto, so they are still trying to adjust to that.

O'Neil has done a good job at Wolves and deserves time - but he will know as well as anyone that results need to improve.

The next fixtures, as you point out, are tough but then he will hope to get Wolves' season into its stride.

Read more of the Q&A with Phil and the rest of the day's football news