TOM COLLOMOSSE: Gary O'Neil has steadied Wolves after taking over from Julen Lopetegui... but if his side continue their current form, starting with a win against Fulham, he could be a contender for manager of the year

When Gary O’Neil replaced Julen Lopetegui as Wolves manager many supporters expected a miserable season fighting relegation.

O’Neil had been hired only five days before Wolves’ opening game at Manchester United with a backdrop of pessimism and cost-cutting, with captain Ruben Neves sold as the club sought to meet Financial Fair Play limits. 

Fast-forward three months and Wolves are safely in mid-table after memorable wins over Manchester City and Tottenham. It is early to be handing out manager of the year awards but if he continues at this rate, O’Neil will be among the contenders.

If Wolves, who travel to Fulham on Monday night, had not suffered some poor refereeing calls, they’d be even higher up the table.

‘Everything we do is detailed,’ said midfielder Tommy Doyle. 

‘The auditorium sessions are as you can imagine: reviewing what we can do and figuring out ways we can hurt them. It’s enjoyable. It’s an exciting time to be here.’

O’Neil has recaptured Pedro Neto’s best, Hwang Hee-chan has found form he never looked capable of under Bruno Lage and Lopetegui, as has Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Lopetegui gave his heart and soul to Wolves yet there was always a feeling he had lowered his sights when moving to Molineux. 

O’Neil is the opposite and sees this as his opportunity to make a long-term impression as a Premier League boss.