Gary O’Neil in pole position for Southampton job after rejecting Premier League return

Gary O’Neil is reportedly in pole position to become Southampton’s new head coach. 

The 42-year-old recently turned down the opportunity to return to Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are seeking a replacement for Vitor Pereira. 

Southampton sacked Will Still after a disastrous start to the Championship season. 

The Belgian boss took over the club in May but managed to win just two of his thirteen Championship matches in charge. 

The Saints announced his dismissal last weekend following the 2-0 home defeat against Preston North End. 

Their under-21s coach Tonda Eckert has been given interim charge, as they look to find a permanent manager soon. 

According to The Telegraph, O’Neil is a strong contender for the Southampton job. 

The club are said to be impressed with his previous work at Bournemouth and Wolves. 

O’Neil kept Bournemouth in the Premier League after taking over from Scott Parker for the 2022-23 campaign. 

Despite the success, the Cherries decided to replace him with Andoni Iraola in the following summer. 

O’Neil joined Wolverhampton Wanderers and led them to a 14th-place finish in his first season. 

However, he was fired from his position in December 2024 after a poor run of results left the club in relegation zone. 

O’Neil turned down the opportunity to return to the Midlands, but a chance to manage a Championship club could be appealing for him.