Struggling Wolves confirm Vitor Pereira as new manager on 18-month contract after Gary O'Neil's sacking

Vitor Pereira has arrived at struggling Wolves to take over from O'Neil. The Portuguese boss has a wealth of experience after managing teams all over the globe and will be tasked with beating relegation to the Championship. The new manager arrives with the team down in 19th place in the table and with just nine points from 16 matches.

Pereira arrives from Saudi Pro League club Al Shabab where he has spent just under 12 months. The coach took charge of the club when they were struggling and led them to an eighth-placed finish. Pereira has also previously worked at Porto, Olympiacos, Fenerbahce and in Brazil with Corinthians and Flamengo. As well as improving the team's form, Pereira will need to restore harmony after ugly scenes in recent weeks involving Matheus Cunha,Mario Lemina and Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Chairman Jeff Shi told the club's website: "We are delighted to welcome Vitor Pereira to Wolves as the new head coach of our men’s first-team. Vitor is a highly respected and experienced coach who has achieved success across different leagues and will bring a new approach for the test ahead. This is a challenging moment for the club, and we want to thank Vitor for taking on this responsibility. We have full confidence in his ability to guide us back on track, alongside the players and staff, and the entire club will be united in supporting him to achieve success.”

Pereira's first game in charge is a clash with fellow strugglers Leicester on Sunday at the King Power Stadium. His first home game as Wolves boss will be against Ruben Amorim's Manchester United on Boxing Day.