Ex-manager O'Neil in talks over Wolves return

Gary O'Neil was sacked in December 2024

Gary O'Neil has held talks with Wolves over a potential return as head coach, less than 12 months after he was sacked by the relegation-threatened Premier League club.

The Molineux side have begun the process of appointing a new head coach following the dismissal of Vitor Pereira on Sunday morning.

BBC Sport reported on Sunday that O'Neil - together with Middlesbrough boss Rob Edwards - was among the contenders to replace Pereira at the Midlands club.

And it is understood O'Neil, 42, is now engaged in discussions with Wolves about a possible return, and that initial discussions have been positive.

Under the terms of his 12-month severance package from when he was sacked last December, O'Neil is still being paid by the club.

Should he return, Wolves will still be making payments to both O'Neil and Pereira - as part of the Portuguese's severance - as they have been doing for 11 months.

Edwards' appointment, given his current employment, would provide many obstacles to overcome, with Middlesbrough believed to be entitled to a significant compensation fee should their manager leave.

Edwards is a former Wolves Under-23 coach and was also first-team coach, having had a two-game interim spell in charge in 2016, and distanced himself from the role.

"I was told by my daughter yesterday [Sunday], so that probably tells you where I stand on it," he said.

"You know my links to the club but my full focus is on this job here, which is a brilliant job, and trying to turn things around from the weekend in a really big game against Leicester.

"Speculation stuff is hard for me to comment about, anything else other than Middlesbrough, which is where my focus is, that we've done a decent job so far."

That leaves O'Neil well placed to return, but sources have indicated that while he is a strong candidate he is not the only contender.

Wolves have a history of appointing managers with close links to high-profile agent Jorge Mendes, in Nuno Espirito Santo, Bruno Lage and Pereira.

And it is understood that in addition to O'Neil, Wolves are speaking to at least one manager from Mendes' stable.

O'Neil was sacked by Wolves in December 2024 following a disappointing start to the 2024-25 campaign.

But the former West Ham midfielder is ready for a return to management and is open to re-joining Wolves, who are winless after the first 10 games of the Premier League season.