Yahoo News Wolves sent Gary O'Neil warning after manager touted as Unai Emery rival
Gary O’Neil has been flagged as a potential manager of the year - and as a target for clubs in Germany and Spain. The Wolves boss has defied the odds to lead Wanderers to mid-table security this season when many pundits were tipping them for another relegation battle.
O’Neil was a surprise choice to replace Julen Lopetegui when the Spaniard quit Molineux on the eve of the current season.
But while Lopetegui walked when faced with the prospect of a tightening of the financial strings at Wolves, O’Neil embraced the situation to make the most of a small, but talented squad.
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And for that reason, pundit and former Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin reckons O’Neil could be in demand this summer.
Speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Premier League betting, Dublin said: “Gary O’Neil has been brilliant at Wolves. He's just gone in there and he's backed himself as a coach, as a manager, and the fans love him for it, singing his name.
“He's gone in there and turned it around. He’s another manager who could be linked elsewhere. Teams from the Bundesliga or La Liga are going to have an eye out for him.”
The 40-year-old cut his coaching teeth within the Liverpool academy set-up before joining Bournemouth and eventually taking over as head coach from the sacked Scott Parker.
Despite staging a mini-revival at the Liberty Stadium, he too was dismissed in June 2023 before replacing Lopetegui two months later.
Dublin added: “When you're doing well and you're getting results and playing in style then other clubs will take notice. You have to wonder why Bournemouth got rid of him.
“But it’s all very positive at Wolves. They play good football and the manager has been great, he’s definitely in with a shout of manager of the year, alongside Unai Emery at Aston Villa.”
Wolves are currently 11th in the top-flight after threatening to challenge for Europe before injuries took their toll. They hosts title-chasers Arsenal at Molineux on Saturday (7.30pm kick-off) hoping to end a run of just one win in six.
