Wolves Fans' Verdict: Gary O’Neil looks to have fans on-side after early doubts

After eight Premier League games, Gary O’Neil has managed to accrue eight points in a steady start.

The win over Manchester City and draw with Villa has left the club in a much better place and our Wolves fans have had their say on the start to the season under O’Neil.

John Lalley

The misgivings were both natural and inevitable; hiring an inexperienced, out of work rookie coach to replace a seasoned international manager with Molineux in turmoil appeared at best uninspired and at worst, downright reckless.

For some Wolves’ fans, the disposal unit was prematurely primed even before Gary O’Neil had introduced himself to the players. This reviling onslaught in full swing before O’Neil was granted a platform to articulate his own agenda.

No pre-season preparation, no players of his choice and a seemingly relentless revolving door of bewildering departures to wave adieu to.

No matter that the real blame for the mess that he inherited lay elsewhere; his brief was simply to pick up the remnants, get on with it and maybe fashion a miracle or two. Not asking very much of the guy, was it? Lopetegui pragmatically achieved survival but there were some dire performances on his watch, all stoically accepted. O’Neil was never going to be afforded such patience. Four precious points from two daunting–looking home fixtures have significantly strengthened his position. The notion that this team would somehow disrespect his coaching ability exposed as patently absurd; instead, outstanding commitment, good organisation and a base for improvement. Like the cut of his jib too; considered, dignified and understated. The old roads don’t always lead to the safest and best destinations; O’Neil requires support not ridicule and crucially, a proper chance to prove his merits.

Rob Cartwright

We’re eight games into the season and it looks, on paper, as though results are not great. However, a closer look at the fixtures and you can see that eight points at this stage is not as bad as it seems. We have already played four of the top six (six of the top 10) but only two of the bottom six.

Some performances have been very good, with Man United and Man City uppermost; others have been poor, especially against Crystal Palace and a Luton. Significantly, our biggest defeats were against Brighton and Liverpool where we had played well in the first half only to let it slip in the second half. This lead to accusations of lack of fitness, but I think it was more about effective use of substitutes.

Don’t forget we have also been “robbed” by VAR to the extent of four points.

I think Gary O’Neil has done a reasonably good job, so far. Performances started to improve in September and the team are showing more belief.

We still have the old issues to deal with – not enough goals scored. It is great to see Neto in such good form and Hwang is playing well and scoring.

Overall, there is plenty of room for improvement and I feel confident that we are capable of achieving an uplift in league position before Christmas.