The managerial merry-go-round has taken a fresh turn, with former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O'Neil emerging as a strong candidate for a surprise move to French Ligue 1 side Strasbourg.
Rosenior's Chelsea Switch Sparks Chain Reaction
This potential opportunity for the 42-year-old English coach arises directly from a significant appointment in the Premier League. Chelsea have confirmed the hiring of Liam Rosenior as their new head coach, with the 41-year-old leaving his post at Strasbourg to take on the challenge at Stamford Bridge. Rosenior, who has previous managerial experience in England with Derby County and Hull City, will face his first test against Wolves at Molineux on Saturday 7th February.
His departure from the French club has left a vacancy that Strasbourg are now actively looking to fill. According to reports from The Athletic, Gary O'Neil is now in 'talks' regarding the position. The club currently sits 7th in Ligue 1 and is also competing in this season's Europa Conference League, making the role an attractive prospect for any manager seeking a return to the dugout.
O'Neil's Path from Pitch to Dugout
O'Neil, a London-born former midfielder, enjoyed a lengthy playing career spanning 542 appearances for clubs including Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, and West Ham United before retiring in 2019 after a stint with Bolton Wanderers. His transition into coaching began in Liverpool's academy, followed by a role at AFC Bournemouth.
He took permanent charge at Bournemouth following Scott Parker's dismissal and successfully kept the club in the Premier League, only to be surprisingly replaced by Andoni Iraola. Wolverhampton Wanderers offered him a route back into management in 2023, where he spent 16 months, winning 32% of his 63 games in charge before his dismissal in December 2024.
Wolves' Struggle Continues Post-O'Neil
Since parting ways with O'Neil, Wolves have endured a turbulent period. His successor, Vitor Pereira, stabilised the club and secured their Premier League status last season. However, the current campaign has been disastrous, leading to Pereira's sacked earlier this winter.
Rob Edwards is the latest to take the helm, leaving Middlesbrough to try and rescue the club from their perilous position. His first victory came in a 3-0 win over West Ham, but Wolves remain rock bottom of the table and face a fierce battle to avoid relegation. The club is now active in the January transfer window, which closes on Monday 2nd February, as Edwards seeks to mould the squad in his image.
For Gary O'Neil, the focus is now on a potential new chapter in France. A move to Strasbourg would represent a significant opportunity to manage in a top European league and test himself in continental competition, marking a swift and unexpected return to management after his Molineux exit.
