Last season, Gary O'Neill was drafted in to coordinate the Cherries attempt to retain Premier League status at the end of the season, having been written off by manager Scott Parker after a harsh drubbing at Anfield in a 9-0 defeat. O'Neill, relatively unknown at the time, emerged as the permanent manager eventually and kept the Cherries up well before the final day. It was not a straightforward ride, but his team did beat Everton heavily twice within days of a week in January and potentially had the opportunity to confirm the relegation of the Toffees on the final day at Goodison Park. In the end, he was sacked in a brutal move by the club's new owners.
A year on, we are back in August. Only this time, O'Neill starts the season in the dugout, albeit, just days to the commencement of the new season—a scarcely ideal situation. However, there are a few points of similarities despite the disparity between the two situations going beyond the timing of his appointment.
Bournemouth were largely believed to be relegation fodder, given the fact that they had just come up and that their business dealings in the summer window were not good enough. That was the message Parker was reiterating after that difficult afternoon which triggered his axing. Presently, Wolves are not newly promoted, but given their transfer proceedings so far, most will agree that they can now be considered relegation fodder. Most would argue that having sold some key players, any chance at beating the drop would have to start with keeping Spanish tactician, Julen Lopetegui at the club. He has walked away from the job due to what seems to be an impracticable financial situation.
Another point is that, Wolves, which by the way, were competing in the top half of the table some seasons ago, have been on a consistent decline for some seasons now. The recruitment of players has been quite soggy and the financial problems of the club have become bare. Lopetegui was probably convinced that there was a project, but this summer, he has not seen any movement to suggest that is the case. Important players have been sold or have left the club, and there's really no quality coming in. For a European title winner, it is difficult to have your hands tied up. Most will argue that Wolves beat the drop largely because of him, and some of the business they did in January. But that's the concern. The summer's budget was somewhat dipped into in January and with his first full season on the horizon, he could not see how to improve without more funds. What is only shocking is the timing, which further complicates things.
Maybe not for Gary O'Neill though, he didn't have a preseason with Bournemouth, at least, he wasn't the manager then. He went about setting them up to become a dangerous counter attacking side, defensively robust and quick. On this note, he might be the right man to work with what they have currently got. There is a need for reinforcement in defense and defensive midfield and the striking positions, on the face of it, Gary O'Neill won't be too fazed about what he's walking into.
The second question now is about the challenge. O'Neill has got some days in the transfer window to identify some talents with the club. Whether they get players in is another matter. However, it is clear that there is the negativity around the club. A trip to Old Trafford on Monday might not be the best place to start.
The challenge is, however, to pull together and attempt to beat the drop again. The club believe that they are about to explore a new reality with a young British coaching talent. Doing it again with Wolves would announce a special manager.
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