Gary O'Neil had been linked with a stunning return to Wolves.placeholder image
Gary O'Neil had been linked with a stunning return to Wolves. | Getty Images
A former Tottenham star has been linked with taking the vacant Wolves job
Wolves are still no nearer to securing the next manager to take over at Molineux, but a new name might be in the running after Gary O’Neil reportedly pulled out despite holding ‘positive talks’ with the club.
O’Neil had been touted for a stunning return to Molineux less than 12 months after his sacking, but after reflection the 42-year-old has removed himself from contention for the vacancy. Reports by The Telegraph have suggested that this was due to ‘fan backlash’ against the proposed return of O’Neil, who also went the first 10 Premier League games of last season without a victory on his way to being relieved of his duties in December.
Robbie Keane ‘interested’ in Wolves job
According to reports by talkSPORT, former Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United striker Robbie Keane has been linked with the Wolves job and has ‘expressed an interest’ in the role.
Keane graduated from Wolves’ academy back in 1997 and scored 29 goals in just over two seasons with the club, before moving on to Coventry City and then eventually arriving at Spurs in 2002. Keane scored 122 goals for the Lilywhites in all competitions and ranks in 18th place in the Premier League’s all-time top goalscorers list. He had recently been linked with the vacant Celtic managerial role.
The Republic of Ireland legend is now reportedly keen on an emotional return to Molineux. Currently the head coach of Ferencváros in Hungary, the 45-year-old has won the league title at the club and led his side to Europa League victories over RB Salzburg and Genk so far this season. He was previously head coach at Maccabi Tel Aviv.
‘Wants to make an impact’ - Keane touted for Molineux
Speaking on talkSPORT, Jeff Stelling and Ally McCoist backed Keane to take over at Wolves, believing he would have the right attitude to take his opportunity to succeed and make an impact with his former club.
"Wolves fans, forgive me, but the likes of Brendan Rodgers, he doesn't want a relegation on his CV," Stelling said on talkSPORT Breakfast. "That's what it is almost certainly going to be.
"My suggestion for what it's worth, a bit left field, is what about someone like Robbie Keane? He started out at Wolves, he's been abroad, he's done his stuff, he's had success at Maccabi Tel Aviv, now he's having success at Ferencváros as well.
"I'm pretty sure he's keen to manage in England, particularly in the top flight. I'd be looking at someone like that who wants to come and make an impact, rather than the same old names on the merry-go-round."
McCoist replied: "I'll tell you right now, it's a good shout. Obviously he has connections with the club as well. I don't think that's a daft shout. It's a big job for him, but it's a heck of a job as well.
“He's had a great start to his managerial career in Israel and Hungary, but that would be a big, big move for him."
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