Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Gary O’Neil receives the public backing of chairman Jeff Shi despite the club’s poor form in the Premier League.
Wolverhampton Wanderers chairman Jeff Shi has offered his public support of under-fire head coach Gary O’Neil.
After Monday’s 2-1 defeat at the hands of West Ham United, the perception was that O’Neil would be removed from his position in the dugout.
However, despite three successive Premier League defeats leaving Wolves sitting in 19th position in the table, reports later emerged that O’Neil would remain in charge for Saturday’s fixture against fellow strugglers Ipswich Town.
On Thursday morning, a column by Shi was released by the Express & Star, acknowledging that faith was being placed in the Englishman to turn around Wolves’ fortunes.
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“The power of positivity”
Reports have claimed that Wolves’ have made contact with a number of high-profile managers to gauge their interest in potentially succeeding O’Neil.
Regardless of what truth is in those claims, it now appears that Shi and owners Fosun International are ready to back the current incumbent.
Shi said: “I don’t need to familiarise supporters with what happened next in the summer of 2023, they all know it. But because of that, the destiny of Gary O’Neil and Wolves met at an unexpected moment, and I remain grateful to Gary for stepping into such a demanding situation just days before the beginning of a new season, and for his commitment to the club every day since then.
“While he knows that improving our results quickly is essential for everyone associated with the football club, we are united in supporting him as all of us strive to make that progress happen.
“Even in what I believe to be Wolves’ best decade in half a century, tough moments are inevitable. Success isn’t about avoiding challenges; it’s about how we respond to them. Patience, resilience, and well-thought-out solutions have always been the foundation of Wolves’ progress.
“While emotions make football special, success in the game is largely a science.
“Emotional reactions may come first, but lasting success requires calculated, scientific solutions. Finding the right formula isn’t always easy, and it often takes time. But once it’s discovered, results will follow.
“It’s human nature to fear losing something valuable, but I believe there’s a more positive way to view it. What we have now isn’t something we take for granted; instead, we treasure it and work tirelessly to protect it and nurture it.
“I believe in the power of positivity because negativity achieves nothing. Just as atoms remain atoms, how we perceive, combine, and connect them defines their collective value, and positive energy grants the group of atoms life and vitality.”
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What next for Wolves?
Already sitting four points adrift of safety, it is imperative for Wolves that they earn points from their upcoming double-header with Ipswich Town and Leicester City.
Fixtures with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur then follow before the start of the January transfer window. Wolves may look to have a new centre-back ready to join the squad before the next fixture with Nottingham Forest on January 6.
