Wolves Shock Football World with Surprising Choice for New Manager: Gary O'Neil Appointed as Julen Lopetegui's Replacement

Gary O'Neil has been named as the replacement for Julen Lopetegui at Wolves after the former Bournemouth manager was appointed to the role. Lopetegui departed the club on Tuesday after successfully guiding Wolves to Premier League survival during his nine-month tenure, taking charge when the team was at the bottom of the league last Christmas.

The former manager of Real Madrid and Spain expressed disapproval towards the club's insufficient expenditures in the recent summer transfer window, and he appeared increasingly frustrated in the past few weeks.

O'Neil has remained unemployed since his dismissal from Bournemouth in June, but he has been associated with numerous job opportunities throughout the summer.

After securing 39 points and finishing in 15th place, he successfully kept the Cherries in the Premier League. However, despite this accomplishment, he was unable to retain his position as the head coach, as former Rayo Vallecano manager Andoni Iraola took over the role at Bournemouth. Stay tuned for further updates.

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Manchester United

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Monday 14th August 6:30pm

Kick off 8:00pm

We' Paul Merson:

Many owners in the lower half of the Premier League table are taking risks. They are considering the upcoming matches against Luton and Sheffield United and questioning the need to spend £100m on wages and salary of £100,000-a-week if they can outperform just one more team. This is the issue with Wolves as they are letting go of players without replacing them. I believe their rationale is that they must surpass Luton and Sheffield United, but this approach is fraught with danger.

From the current perspective, I doubt Wolves will be able to avoid relegation. Gary O'Neil is expected to excel in his managerial role and provide the necessary advantage of Premier League experience. It is crucial to have someone who is already familiar with the league, rather than introducing someone from abroad who would need time to adapt. Gary, although not having worked with the players, possesses knowledge of their abilities as he has competed against them in the past.

Merson: Wolves playing a dangerous game - I can't see them surviving

The Wolves are set to kick off their Premier League season for 2023/24 with an away game against Manchester United on Monday, August 14. This match will be broadcasted live on Monday Night Football at 8pm.

Following their opener, the Wolves will return to their home ground, Molineux, to face Brighton on August 19. This will be followed by two consecutive away matches against Everton on August 26 and Crystal Palace on September 2.

Wolves are set to face treble-winners Manchester City on September 30, followed by the first Black Country derby against Aston Villa on October 7. The rematch against Villa is scheduled for March 30.

The inaugural match against Nottingham Forest will be held at Molineux on December 9, with the reverse fixture at the City Ground occurring on April 13.

Wolves face a tough end to the season with a home game against Arsenal on April 20, and away trips to Manchester City (May 4) and Liverpool on the final day on May 19.