Reports indicate that Gary O’Neil is in pole position to become the next manager of Southampton following the sacking of Will Still. According to The Telegraph, the club has identified the former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss as their leading candidate to take charge of the struggling Championship side.
Southampton have endured a difficult start to the season, sitting 19th in the EFL Championship with only three wins and five defeats from 14 matches. This poor run of form ultimately led to Still’s dismissal last weekend, leaving the club desperate for a capable replacement who can revive their campaign.
O’Neil, 42, is currently without a club after being sacked by Wolves in December 2024. Despite this, his reputation as a promising English coach remains intact, and his recent managerial experiences make him an appealing choice for the Saints. He was reportedly a frontrunner for the Wolverhampton Wanderers job once again following the departure of Vitor Pereira but decided to turn down the opportunity for a Molineux return. That decision has now placed Gary O’Neil in pole position to take the reins at St Mary’s.
During his time at Wolves, O’Neil endured a challenging spell, marked by mixed results and internal struggles that eventually led to his exit. Nevertheless, his tactical awareness and strong communication skills earned him the respect of several Premier League and Championship clubs. Wolves fans still hold him in high regard, as he was considered among the possible replacements for Pereira. However, O’Neil’s refusal to return to the Midlands club cleared the path for Southampton to make their move.
Southampton’s leadership is said to be looking for a manager capable of steering the team toward the play-off zone, despite their current low standing. Their goal is to rebuild momentum and restore confidence within the squad. Gary O’Neil’s name in pole position reflects the board’s faith in his ability to bring discipline, energy, and renewed focus to the team.
While O’Neil is the front-runner, the Saints are reportedly keeping other options open. Among the names linked to the managerial post is Michael Carrick, the former Middlesbrough boss, who is also available after parting ways with the Teesside club in the summer. Carrick, like O’Neil, represents the new generation of English coaches known for their modern, tactical approach to football management.
O’Neil’s coaching career began at Liverpool’s U23 side, where he served as an assistant coach before joining Bournemouth. His transition from a developmental role to senior management was swift, as he took over as caretaker manager of the Cherries before earning a full-time appointment. His success in guiding Bournemouth through difficult periods demonstrated his resilience and adaptability — qualities that Southampton’s board now hopes he can bring to St Mary’s.
The Saints’ management team is eager to make a swift appointment due to the team’s precarious position in the league. Interim boss Tonda Eckert is currently managing the squad and recently led them to a 2-1 away victory over QPR. However, the board believes that long-term stability is crucial, and securing a capable full-time manager remains a top priority.
With his experience, composure, and proven ability to motivate players, Gary O’Neil in pole position for the Southampton job looks increasingly likely. His decision to reject a Premier League opportunity in favor of leading a Championship revival could mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both him and the Saints.
Southampton will be relegated to league one