Wolves confirm appointment of Gary O’Neil as new boss after Julen Lopetegui exit

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Gary O’Neil has been confirmed as the new Wolves boss on a three-year deal following the departure of Julen Lopetegui.

The Midlands outfit have wasted no time in bringing in a replacement for the Spaniard who left his role at Molineux on Tuesday night.

GettyFormer Bournemouth boss O’Neil has been appointed as the next Wolves boss[/caption]

He has replaced Lopetegui at Molineux following his departureGetty

talkSPORT reported how ex-Bournemouth boss O’Neil was the favourite for the job after impressing at the Vitality Stadium last season.

And it is understood that O’Neil will take training at the The Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground on Thursday ahead of their Premier League opener against Manchester United on Monday.

He is the youngest Wolves boss in the 21st century having taken over at the age of 40, and is the first Briton to manage the side in six years.

In a club statement, sporting director Matt Hobbs said: “We’re delighted to welcome Gary to the club.

“He’s a highly motivated young coach with strong principles and very well thought of by everyone he has worked with, and we’re excited to see what we can achieve together at Wolves.

“Our players have shown their quality during pre-season, and I believe Gary and his team will continue to coach and improve them and will have success working with this group.

“Everyone at Wolves is looking forward to welcoming Gary, offering him their full support and working collaboratively to help the club to keep pushing forward together.”

The position became available for O’Neil after Lopetegui grew frustrated with Wolves over their lack of transfer activity.

GettyO’Neil impressed at the Vitality Stadium last campaign[/caption]

Ruben Neves, Nathan Collins, Raul Jimenez and Conor Coady have all been sold for a combined £91million.

In return, Wolves have brought in right-back Matt Doherty and goalkeeper Tom King on free transfers.

Matheus Cunha and Boubacar Traore meanwhile have had their loan stays from last season turned into permanent deals after Wolves triggered their option-to-buy clauses.

O’Neil will be keen to hit the ground running with Wolves set for a brutal opening start to the campaign.

After hosting United, they will face Brighton, Everton, Crystal Palace and Liverpool in their opening five fixtures.

Wolves have confirmed the appointment of Gary O’Neil as the new manager after the departure of Julen Lopetegui from the club.

O’Neil, a former Premier League midfielder, has been part of the coaching staff at Wolves since 2018 and the club has decided to promote him following the sudden departure of Lopetegui.

The 37-year-old, who began his career at Portsmouth in 2002, has previously managed clubs in the Championship, including Norwich City and Portsmouth. He has also spent time in the dugouts for Southend United, Rochdale, Bristol Rovers and Crystal Palace.

Wolves have had one of the most successful seasons in recent years in the Premier League, finishing seventh in the table. They also reached the Quarter-Finals of the Europa League.

Speaking about his appointment, O’Neil said: “I’m really excited about joining Wolves and I am looking forward to the challenge of taking the club forward. This is a great opportunity and I am looking forward to working with a talented group of players and staff. I am committed to bringing the success that our supporters deserve.”

Wolves owners Fosun International have released a statement, saying: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Gary O’Neil to the post of first team manager. Gary has been an important member of the Wolves coaching staff for the past two years and we look forward to the challenge ahead of him as he takes the reins from Julen Lopetegui.”

The club will now be looking to push for a top-six finish next season, and O’Neil is the man to make that dream reality.