Wolves sack Vitor Pereira after winless start to season

Wolves have sacked Vítor Pereira weeks after signing a new long-term contract.

Pereira took over from Gary O’Neil last December and guided the Molineux club away from the relegation zone before securing a 16th place finish after a notable double against Manchester United.

Matheus Cunha joined United in the summer and, despite a poor start to the campaign, Pereira put pen to paper on a new deal on September 16.

However, results did not improve and Pereira, 57, was sacked after Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Fulham.

Executive Chairman Jeff Shi said: “Vítor and his team worked tirelessly for Wolves and helped us through a difficult period last season, for which we are grateful.

“Unfortunately, the start of this season has been disappointing and, despite our strong desire to give the coach time and games to find improvement, we have reached a point where we need to make a change.

“We thank Vítor and his team for their efforts and wish them the best for the future.”

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Youth team coaches James Collins, who manages the under-21 team, and under-18 boss Richard Walker will take charge of training while the club searches for Pereira’s replacement.

Pereira and Wolves players clashed with home fans at Molineux last weekend following a 3-2 defeat to Burnley.

This was followed by another defeat at Fulham, which Pereira described as the worst performance in his 38 games.

The defeat was the final straw for Wolves and Pereira is looking for another job, but his preference is to stay in the Premier League, according to the PA news agency.

Pereira was informed on Sunday morning that he would be relieved of his duties. However, he will not be paid for the duration of his contract, as a clause was inserted into his new contract which stipulated this.

Experienced Portuguese manager Pereira had been considering his future this summer after key figures like Cunha and Rayan Aït-Nouri were sold and replaced by players without Premier League experience.

However, he continued with the aim of building on the success of last season – where he was named manager of the season – but late goals against Tottenham and Brighton damaged morale.

With another poor defeat on Saturday at Fulham taking the tally to eight in 10 league matches, Wolves have decided to act and now face a race against time to find a successor to Pereira ahead of this weekend’s trip to Chelsea.

The Portuguese said on Instagram: “It has been a privilege to manage Wolverhampton Wanderers and experience unique moments with this club and its supporters.

“I would like to thank the owners of the club for their trust, the players for their hard work and commitment during these months, and all the staff for making me feel part of the family.

“I wish the club all the best for the rest of the season.”