Robbie Keane is hoping to make an emotional return to Wolverhampton Wanderers — this time in the dugout.
The former Republic of Ireland captain has reportedly applied to become the club’s next manager following the dismissal of Vitor Pereira on Sunday.
Pereira’s tenure came to a swift and unhappy end after a torrid start to the Premier League campaign.
Wolves have failed to record a single victory in their opening 10 matches and sit bottom of the table with just two points, a run that has left supporters increasingly frustrated and the board scrambling for solutions.
Keane, now 45, knows Molineux well. The striker made his professional debut for Wolves in 1997, scoring 27 goals in 85 appearances before moving on to forge a glittering career with Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Celtic among others.
His affection for the club has never waned, and sources close to the Irishman have told talkSPORT that he “would relish the chance to guide Wolves out of trouble and restore some pride to the badge.”
Yet Keane is not the only name on the shortlist.
Robbie Keane scored 27 goals for Wolves during his time at Molineux
|
PA
Wolves are currently battling to stay in the Premier League
|
GETTY/PA/REUTERS
Gary O’Neil, who managed the club until December last year, is believed to be in talks over a sensational return.
Despite his surprise dismissal, O’Neil remains well regarded among the Wolves hierarchy, with insiders suggesting discussions are “progressing positively” as the club assesses its options.
According to The Athletic, another candidate under consideration is Erik ten Hag.
Gary O’Neil previously left Wolves in December 2024
|
PA
The Dutchman has been out of work since a brief and ill-fated spell at Bayer Leverkusen earlier this season but is admired for his tactical acumen and ability to develop younger players.
The Wolves board is thought to be exploring whether he would be open to a Premier League rescue mission.
Saturday’s 3–0 defeat to Fulham deepened the crisis and underlined the urgent need for stability.
Wolves face a gruelling run of fixtures before Christmas and risk being cut adrift if the slide is not halted soon.
A swift appointment is expected, with the club hoping to install a new manager before their next league game.
For Keane, the opportunity would mark another step in a coaching career that has gathered momentum in recent years.
Rob Edwards is another name in the frame to potentially manage Wolves
|
PAAfter cutting his managerial teeth as a player-coach with ATK in India, he served as assistant to the Republic of Ireland national side before moving abroad.
He guided Maccabi Tel Aviv to the Israeli Premier League title and the Toto Cup, then joined Hungarian champions Ferencváros, where he lifted another domestic crown earlier this year.
The Irishman’s growing reputation has already earned him mentions for the Celtic vacancy following Brendan Rodgers’ departure.
Yet a return to the Midlands, where his professional story began, appears to hold a special appeal.
Wolves are also believed to have approached Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards, another former Molineux favourite.
However, prising him away from a Championship promotion campaign could prove costly, with compensation likely required.
