Edwards and O’Neil in frame for Wolves job after Pereira’s dismissal

Rob Edwards and Gary O’Neil have emerged as early contenders to succeed Vitor Pereira as Wolverhampton Wanderers manager following the Portuguese’s dismissal on Sunday, Sport360NG reports.

Pereira’s departure came after a 10-game winless run at the start of the Premier League season, which has left Wolves rooted to the bottom of the table with just two points from a possible 30.

Both Edwards and O’Neil have previous ties to the club and are being considered by the Wolves hierarchy as they begin the search for a new head coach.

Edwards, currently managing Middlesbrough, could face a hurdle in making the switch to Molineux due to his existing contract at the Riverside. The 42-year-old, who made over 100 appearances for Wolves during his playing days, is nonetheless seen as a strong candidate and is believed to have support among members of the board.

O’Neil, also 42, is another name in the frame despite the surprise factor surrounding his potential return. The former West Ham midfielder was dismissed by Wolves in December last year but is currently out of work, meaning no compensation would be required for his appointment.

No formal approach has yet been made for Edwards, who previously worked on the coaching staff at Wolves. He took over at Middlesbrough during the summer after replacing Michael Carrick, another coach reportedly being considered by the club but who has yet to be contacted.

Saturday’s 3–0 defeat to Fulham marked Wolves’ eighth league loss of the campaign, leaving them eight points adrift of safety behind 17th-placed Burnley.

Pereira, who took charge in December 2024 and signed a new three-year deal as recently as September, expressed gratitude to the club and its fans in a farewell message posted on Instagram.

“It has been a privilege to manage Wolverhampton Wanderers and experience unique moments with this club and its supporters,” he wrote. “I would like to thank the owners for their trust, the players for their hard work, and the staff for making me feel part of the family. I wish the club all the best for the rest of the season.”