Gary O’Neil’s Next Move: Former Wolves Boss in Contention for Blackburn Rovers Job
Gary O’Neil’s time as Wolves head coach came to an end in December 2024, just 15 months after his appointment at Molineux. His sacking was met with mixed reactions, as many believed he had done a commendable job given the difficult circumstances he inherited. Now, with Blackburn Rovers searching for a new manager following John Eustace’s expected departure to Derby County, O’Neil has been linked with a swift return to management.
The 40-year-old coach has proven himself as a resilient figure in English football. After a solid stint at Bournemouth, where he helped the club survive in the Premier League, he stepped into the Wolves job on short notice following Julen Lopetegui’s resignation. O’Neil initially exceeded expectations, leading Wolves to a strong position in the Premier League table in the first half of his debut season. However, injuries and a lack of squad depth saw the team’s form nosedive in 2024, ultimately leading to his dismissal midway through the 2024/25 campaign.
With Blackburn Rovers now considering him as a potential candidate for their managerial vacancy, the question is: would O’Neil be the right fit for the Championship side, and would he be willing to take the job?
O’Neil’s Time at Wolves: A Mixed Bag
When O’Neil was appointed at Wolves in August 2023, the club was in turmoil. Julen Lopetegui, who had successfully steered the team away from relegation the previous season, abruptly left due to frustrations over the club’s transfer policy. Wolves had a limited budget, with key players leaving and new signings failing to arrive in sufficient numbers.
Despite these challenges, O’Neil quickly steadied the ship. By January 2024, Wolves were in the top half of the Premier League table, and some fans even dreamed of European football. O’Neil earned praise for his tactical flexibility, his ability to get the best out of players like Matheus Cunha and Pedro Neto, and his overall approach to managing a squad that wasn’t as deep as other Premier League teams.
However, a wave of injuries in the second half of the season derailed Wolves’ progress. Without sufficient squad depth, the team’s form declined, and they eventually finished 14th in the Premier League. While that position may not have been disastrous—especially considering Wolves’ pre-season struggles—many felt disappointed after the promise shown earlier in the campaign.
The 2024/25 season started poorly for O’Neil and his team. Wolves endured a difficult run of fixtures, struggling for consistency and failing to pick up enough wins. The team found itself closer to the relegation zone than the top half, and with pressure mounting, Wolves’ owners, Fosun, decided to pull the trigger. O’Neil was sacked in December 2024, bringing an end to his time at Molineux.
While his departure wasn’t entirely unexpected, some fans and pundits felt he had been harshly treated. Given the circumstances of his arrival and the financial limitations Wolves were operating under, O’Neil arguably did a respectable job.
Now, just two months after his sacking, he is being linked with a potential return to management—this time in the Championship.
Blackburn Rovers’ Managerial Search
Blackburn Rovers are currently in the process of finding a new head coach after John Eustace activated a release clause to leave for Derby County. The move came as a surprise, especially considering Eustace had only been in charge at Ewood Park for a short period.
Blackburn are now on the lookout for a new manager, and according to football journalist Alan Nixon, O’Neil has made their shortlist. The club is also considering several foreign coaches, but O’Neil’s experience in English football, particularly in the Premier League, makes him a strong candidate.
Some Blackburn fans have already voiced their support for the idea of hiring O’Neil, believing he has the tactical acumen and leadership qualities needed to push Rovers toward promotion. Blackburn are currently competing in the Championship’s upper half and have aspirations of returning to the Premier League. Appointing an experienced manager like O’Neil could provide the stability they need to mount a serious promotion challenge.
Would Blackburn Be a Good Move for O’Neil?
For O’Neil, taking over at Blackburn Rovers presents both opportunities and risks.
The Case for Taking the Job
Chance to rebuild his reputation: O’Neil’s time at Wolves ended on a sour note, but many still believe he is a talented young coach. Taking a Championship side like Blackburn and leading them to promotion would go a long way in proving his managerial ability.
Working with a competitive squad: Blackburn have a strong core of players and are in a good position to challenge for promotion. With the right guidance, they could become serious contenders for a top-six finish.
A pathway back to the Premier League: Many successful Premier League managers have rebuilt their careers in the Championship before returning to the top flight. O’Neil could use Blackburn as a stepping stone for another Premier League job in the future.
The Potential Risks
Dropping to the Championship: O’Neil has managed exclusively in the Premier League so far. Would he be willing to take a step down to the Championship, or would he prefer to wait for another top-flight opportunity?
High expectations at Blackburn: If he takes the job, O’Neil will be expected to deliver results quickly. Blackburn are in a strong position, and anything less than a serious promotion push could be seen as a failure.
Limited patience from owners: Championship clubs are often quick to dismiss managers if results don’t go their way. O’Neil will need to hit the ground running if he takes over at Ewood Park.
What’s Next?
As things stand, no official approach has been made by Blackburn for O’Neil, but he remains one of the leading candidates on their shortlist. The club is expected to make a decision soon, and if they do pursue O’Neil, it will be interesting to see whether he accepts the challenge.
O’Neil’s time at Wolves may not have ended the way he wanted, but he remains a highly regarded coach in English football. A move to Blackburn could offer him the perfect chance to prove his worth once again.
With the Championship season heating up and Blackburn looking to solidify their position as promotion contenders, the coming weeks could be crucial in determining whether O’Neil takes on this new challenge—or if he decides to wait for another opportunity at a higher level.
For now, this is a developing situation, and one worth keeping an eye on.