Wolves news: Opinion – Southampton match ‘a battle that Gary O’Neil must win’

As wolves prepare to host Southamptonthe weight of expectation is heavy. Being bottom of the table after ten games and conceding 27 goals is not where Wolves fans expected to be.

Gary O’Neil may claim it’s not a must-win game, but the reality feels very different. Although it is not technically a final match in terms of relegation – there are still plenty of games to be played – the stakes are high for O’Neil and his team. This is a battle he must win.

The general consensus among Wolves fans we spoke to is clear: time is up. Initially there was a lot of patience due to the difficult matches, but opinions have changed and many now doubt O’Neil’s ability to guide Wolves out of this predicament. Another mediocre performance could lead to a charged atmosphere at Molineux, with fans loudly expressing their dissatisfaction.

There is uncertainty as to whether Wolves owners Fosun agree with fans on this. With O’Neil and his team recently given new four-year contracts, they appear reluctant to pay severance. However, as smart business people, they understand that the financial consequences of relegation far outweigh the costs of management change. The risk of losing Premier League status is a gamble they are unlikely to take lightly.

Although we are told that easier matches have arrived and better results are on the way, the problems remain and even a win can only delay the inevitable.

Now that a quarter of the season is over and only three points have been achieved, something clearly needs to change. Looking at this season’s games we have only secured three points, while the same games last season earned us twelve points.

We cannot continue to blame our current position on difficult matches.

Sometimes you have to change something for the greater good.

Find more from Dazzling Dave at Always Wolves, external