EPL: Wolves appoint Vitor Pereira to replace Gary O’Neil

Wolverhampton Wanderers have confirmed Vitor Pereira as the Premier League club’s new head coach following the dismissal of Gary O’Neil.

O’Neil was sacked after Sunday’s 2-1 home defeat to Ipswich Town in the EPL, with Wolves managing just two wins from their first 16 league games this season.

Pereira, who has lifted league trophies in Portugal, Greece and China, has the monumental task of turning the fortunes of Wolves, who are second from bottom after suffering four consecutive defeats.

The Portuguese manager has penned an 18-month contract after signing from Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Shabab, with Wolves paying £825,000 in compensation for the mid-season switch to the Molineux.

While making the announcement on Thursday, club chairman Jeff Shi welcomed the experienced manager to the club.

“We are delighted to welcome Vitor Pereira to Wolves as the new head coach of our men’s first-team,” he said.

“Vitor is a highly respected and experienced coach who has achieved success across different leagues and will bring a new approach for the test ahead.

“This is a challenging moment for the club, and we want to thank Vitor for taking on this responsibility.”

Shi also assured Pereira of the club’s support as he embarks on his new role.

“We have full confidence in his ability to guide us back on track, alongside the players and staff, and the entire club will be united in supporting him to achieve success,” he said.

Pereira’s first test will be Sunday’s trip to the King Power Stadium, where top soccer betting sites have Wolverhampton as slight outsiders at +176 to defeat Leicester City (+156) in the EPL.

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