O’NEIL: DON’T FOCUS ON CONTRACT TALKS

JIM VAN WIJK

GARY O’NEIL does not want talk about his future to distract from Wolves’ continued progress.

O’neil (right) took over at Molineux on the eve of the new campaign after Julen Lopetegui walked out.

Despite being tipped for a relegation battle, O’neil has done an impressive job to guide Wolves into the top half of the Premier League table and into the FA Cup quarter-finals where they face Championship side Coventry.

Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs revealed discussions over a new contract with the 40-year-old were on the agenda. O’neil, though, wants everyone’s minds focused on the job in hand.

“I don’t think my contract situation is where we should be, at this moment, in this press conference, with Fulham coming and then Coventry the week after,” he said.

“It is important that we remain really focused on the team and what we are trying to achieve.

“So as much as I appreciate it and I’m glad that people think that we’ve done well so far, we need to keep going, so full focus on tomorrow.” Former Bournemouth boss O’neil feels he has the full support of everyone at Molineux as he looks to push the team on.

“I love it here and am obviously very happy with everything, how we are trying to do things and change the model financially,” he explained.

“I have loved the reception I got from the fans and the relationship I have with them, the playing squad and the staff.

“I still feel like sort of an apprentice, that is working really, really hard to try to earn my stripes, but I am enjoying it.”