Bournemouth v Wolves preview: Gary O'Neil focusing on Wolves ahead of Cherries return

Many were suggesting O’Neil should be a contender for manager of the season, but he was unceremoniously sacked in the summer and replaced by Andoni Iraola.

Now, the 40-year-old returns to the Vitality Stadium for the first time since he was dismissed, but the boss is fully focused on Wolves.

“I don’t link it to last year, it’s a completely new challenge at a completely different club and situation,” O’Neil said.

“Last year didn’t do anything to me really, I understand the nature of the game. When I was playing I was moved on from clubs when I thought I was the best player. It happens, you get moved on, it’s the nature of the game.

“The best managers in the world have been sacked, it’s just the way the game is. I understand it.

“But, this isn’t about me, it’s about Wolves and trying to make the club successful. Lets do a fantastic job while I’m here and try and get the club in the best possible place and then see where we go.”

O’Neil was backed by the club’s hierarchy during a difficult start to the season, before the win over Manchester City and draw with Villa put the club in a much better position.

The head coach is appreciative of that backing as he looks to move Wolves in the right direction.

“I’m extremely grateful to everybody at Wolves at the moment,” he added.

“The playing group, Matt Hobbs, the supporters, the guys upstairs – the support I’ve had has been incredible and you do need it. I appreciate everyone’s help and support.

“I don’t focus too much on the long-term, because I understand how important the short-term is in this game. It was the same last season.

“I have a three-year contract and I want to be here for the full three years and then sign a longer one while taking the club forward, but then there’s a big speed bump coming at the weekend that you need to get over and then there’s probably another one coming three days later.

“I have a clear focus on getting the team ready for every weekend. I appreciate the backing of Matt, the players and the supporters. We’re all in it together and I can guarantee them all that I’m working as hard as I can and giving absolutely everything to make sure it’s successful.”

Wolves will be without Nelson Semedo and Mario Lemina tomorrow as both players serve suspensions.

It could offer an opportunity to Boubacar Traore and Matt Doherty to come in from the start, while Jean-Ricner Bellegarde will be keen for a recall after serving his three-match ban.

“He was extremely disappointed, I spoke to him about it and he understands,” O’Neil said of Bellegarde’s red card.

“He’s extremely confident that it won’t happen again and obviously we’re keen to get him back in.

“His impact on the first half against Liverpool, everyone saw, so we’re keen to get him back in and get him up to speed.

“We’ll have the international week to do some work with him and get ready for the Bournemouth game.”