Gary O’Neil on thin ice after latest thrashing by Everton sees Wolves fans turn on him with “sacked in the morning” chants.
Gary O’Neil, the Wolves boss has seen pressure intensify further after his side’s latest meek surrender to fellow strugglers Everton.
The Wolves manager watched helplessly from his technical area as his unfortunate team lost to Everton 4-0, adding to the pressure and suffering as the supporters turned against him.
“You’re getting sacked in the morning.”
That was the chant belted out from one corner of Goodison Park on Wednesday evening. Ironically, it was coming from his own side’s fans.
It was the kind of performance and outcome that has been known to lead to the dismissal of struggling managers before him, and O’Neil currently appears to be holding onto his position.
At full time, the former Bournemouth manager went over to cheer on the away supporters, but the disgruntled crowd mercilessly mocked him.
“I go over there to see them because I appreciate every single one of the Wolves fanbase,” said O’Neil. “They have given me unbelievable support since I arrived at the football club.
“We managed to produce some unbelievable stuff last season. Away at Chelsea, Tottenham and West Brom. That with a team that was heavily tipped by most of the nation for relegation. But we were nowhere near it, ever.
“We enjoyed that together, so now that it is tough I am happy to go over there and look them right in the face and take any criticism they want to throw at me. I accept responsibility for my part in that and that will not change how I feel about them and what they have given me over the last 15 months.”
In O’Neil’s first season, Wolves finished 14th, 20 points above the Premier League drop zone. However, it felt like the manager was losing the support, and it was a night he would never get over.
Wolves gave up four goals against a Toffees team that hadn’t scored in five games since October 26. Defender Craig Dawson scored two own goals.
Wolves will visit West Ham on Monday, and there are serious concerns over the future of their own manager, Julen Lopetegui, who was once in charge at Molineux.
O’Neil said: “I understand how difficult this role is. I know every single detail at this football club and the dressing room. But that is my job, which is what I signed up for and what I need to do.
“I will continue to take responsibility for all of my part on where we are at this moment. Whatever the fans may think of me and my team. There definitely isn’t anyone working harder to help their football club than me.
“I will continue to do so until someone tells me not to.”