In a stunning twist, Gary O'Neil has unexpectedly withdrawn from negotiations to reclaim his position as Wolves manager, leaving the club in a state of shock. But here's where it gets intriguing: despite being on the verge of reaching an agreement, O'Neil decided to step away, leaving the door open for other candidates.
The club's decision to sack Vitor Pereira on Sunday was prompted by a disappointing start to the season, with no wins in their first ten Premier League matches. This led to O'Neil, who was dismissed by Wolves last December, emerging as a potential successor.
O'Neil was highly regarded by the club's leadership, and his appointment seemed imminent. However, after careful consideration, the 42-year-old decided to withdraw, leaving Wolves in a challenging position.
Now, the club must shift their focus to other options, and they may have found a potential savior in their former striker, Robbie Keane. Keane, who scored 27 goals in 85 appearances for Wolves, has expressed interest in the role, and his credentials are impressive.
Following a successful playing career with notable clubs like Tottenham, Liverpool, and Celtic, Keane transitioned into management. He served as player-manager at ATK, assistant manager for the Ireland national team, and most recently, head coach at Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2023, where he won the Israeli Premier League and Toto Cup.
Keane's success continued at Hungarian side Ferencvaros, where he claimed the league title. His achievements have caught the attention of talkSPORT, who suggested him as a candidate for the Celtic vacancy after Brendan Rodgers' departure.
However, returning to Wolves would be a daunting task, as talkSPORT's Jeff Stelling and Ally McCoist acknowledged. They endorsed Keane's potential appointment, with Stelling stating that top managers like Rodgers would avoid a relegation-threatened club. Instead, he proposed Keane as a bold choice, given his successful managerial stints abroad.
McCoist agreed, acknowledging Keane's connection to the club and his impressive start to management. However, he emphasized the magnitude of the challenge, calling it a significant step in Keane's career.
As Wolves search for their next manager, other candidates come into the picture. Rob Edwards, the Middlesbrough boss, is a former Wolves player with 111 appearances. Although he downplayed the speculation, Wolves would need to offer compensation to secure his services.
The race for the Wolves managerial position is heating up, and fans are eager to see who will lead the club out of their current predicament. Will it be Keane, Edwards, or someone else entirely? Stay tuned as the drama unfolds in the Premier League.
