Wolverhampton Wanderers have parted ways with manager Vitor Pereira, sacking the 57-year-old after just 11 months at Molineux. The decision came on Sunday following a disastrous 3-0 defeat by Fulham, which marked their eighth loss in ten games and left the club rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table with a mere two points from ten matches. This dismal run placed them eight points adrift of safety, making Pereira's position untenable despite having signed a new three-year deal in September.

The club's hierarchy, which had reportedly backed Pereira even leading into the Fulham game, was forced to act after a performance characterized by a loss to a relegation rival, a red card, and an own goal. Pereira, who once enjoyed celebrating victories with fans at the pub, saw his tenure end amid mounting fan frustration and a desperate fight to avoid relegation to the Championship.

Wolves are now actively searching for their fifth permanent manager in four years, with several names already emerging as potential successors. Rob Edwards, currently at Middlesbrough, is considered a strong contender. Edwards, who made over 100 appearances for Wolves during his playing career and previously managed Luton, has significant support from the Wolves board, though his current club might pose an obstacle to his appointment.

Surprisingly, Gary O'Neil, who was sacked by Wolves in December last year after guiding them to safety in the 2023/24 campaign, is also a prominent candidate for a shock return. O'Neil, like Edwards, is 42 years old and is currently out of work, meaning Wolves would not incur compensation fees. His familiarity with the squad and his high regard among the club's owners make him a viable option.

Other established Premier League figures being linked to the vacancy include former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers and ex-Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick. Carrick, who was fired as Middlesbrough manager after failing to guide them to promotion last season, is firmly on Wolves' radar. Additionally, Erik ten Hag and Ole Gunnar Solskjær have also been mentioned in reports.

The club's struggles this season have been compounded by the summer departures of key players, including Matheus Cunha to Manchester United and Rayan Ait-Nouri to Manchester City. Wolves hope to have a new manager in place before their upcoming Premier League fixture against Chelsea as they face a critical battle to avoid relegation for the first time since the 2017-18 season. The managerial change also brings implications for Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare, a long-term project who recently joined Wolves, as a new manager could significantly impact his playing time and adaptation to Premier League football.