Wolves are gearing up for a crucial Premier League showdown with Southampton, a must-win for the Old Gold as they look to reverse their rocky season start. Victory over the Saints is essential if they’re to gain momentum and steer clear of trouble in the league.

As the November international break nears, Wolves remain winless in the Premier League, putting Gary O’Neil’s managerial future in serious jeopardy. Their struggles extend beyond this season, with the club’s form carrying over from a dismal finish to last term—having won only one of their last 20 league matches.

Gary O’Neil faced backlash after substituting Tommy Doyle just over an hour into Wolves’ 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace in a crucial bottom-of-the-table clash. Despite showing some positive signs, Wolves were unable to hold onto their lead after a lapse in concentration allowed Palace to equalise.

However, it was O’Neil’s decision to hook Doyle that became the focal point of the match. The manager’s subsequent comments about Doyle have left many puzzled. O’Neil’s remarks have sparked confusion, especially given the midfielder’s performance, as reported by Express and Star.

Gary O’Neil’s comments about Tommy Doyle have sparked confusion after the manager explained his decision to substitute the midfielder against Crystal Palace. Reflecting on Doyle’s lack of Premier League experience, O’Neil stated:“

He came from Manchester City’s academy, obviously had a successful time in the Championship, but still isn’t proven at Premier League level. We’re still helping him adapt. He has big belief in himself and thinks he should play every minute of every Premier League game, as you expect the players to. But he’s still a young central midfielder with not much Premier League experience, a lot of ability, a great lad.”

By publicly questioning Doyle’s readiness for top-flight football, O’Neil emphasized that it’s his responsibility to gauge where the midfielder is in his development. These remarks have only added fuel to the fire regarding the manager’s future at Wolves.

Gary O’Neil continued to address Tommy Doyle’s mindset following the midfielder’s substitute appearance against Crystal Palace, saying:“

I think a large part of him expects to be playing every week. He has a big belief in his ability, I don’t think he’s happy with his watching brief. Maybe when he first got here, I think he understood that he was learning and there was going to be a time to adapt. But I know he feels like he’s ready. Of course, then it’s on me to judge how ready he is and what week suits him best.”

These comments further highlight the ongoing tension between the manager’s assessment of Doyle’s development and the player’s desire for more playing time in the Premier League.

Gary O’Neil’s comments on Tommy Doyle are likely to frustrate Wolves fans. While the manager wasn’t particularly harsh on Doyle, his decision to publicly discuss the midfielder’s development, especially given his strong form, is somewhat puzzling. Fans are left wondering if O’Neil would have made such remarks had there not been backlash for substituting Doyle in the Crystal Palace match.

This isn’t the first time O’Neil has openly criticized one of his players. He similarly spoke out about Jorgen Strand Larsen after substituting him against Manchester City. The recurring theme of publicly addressing player performances raises questions about O’Neil’s approach and whether it’s creating unnecessary tension within the squad.

O’Neil’s comments about Tommy Doyle seem to be an overcompensation for the widespread criticism he faced after the midfielder was substituted against Crystal Palace. The “You don’t know what you’re doing” chants from the fans following Doyle’s withdrawal highlighted the frustration with the decision. Now, O’Neil is using Doyle’s “inexperience” as a way to justify his actions, which may only fuel the fire of discontent among supporters.

At a time when Wolves need to show unity across the club, fans will likely be unhappy to see their manager publicly criticize a player who has been giving his all. This public assessment, seemingly aimed at validating his decision, could further alienate both Doyle and the supporters who were behind the midfielder.