In Focus: Five contenders to replace Lage as Wolves hunt new manager

Bruno Lage was axed after a limp display saw the Midlands outfit slip into the drop zone with a 2-0 defeat at West Ham.

The men from Molineux boast just six points from eight league outings and have scored a dismal three goals — highlighting the scale of the job on the next boss’ hands.

We take a look at five candidates for the role including bookies’ favourite Ruben Amorim and a familiar face in Andre Villas-Boas.

Sporting boss Amorim is believed to be the Wolves hierarchy’s No1 choice for their next manager.

The 37-year-old made his name as a manager with Braga before joining his current employers in March 2020.

In his first full season in charge, he won Sporting’s first Primeira Liga title in almost two decades and followed up that triumph by finishing second behind Porto the following campaign.

But 2022-2023 has been a struggle for Amorim so far domestically with his side languishing in seventh, although they do top their Champions League group thanks to a 2-0 win over Tottenham.

The Portuguese boss has been struggling without the key departures of Fulham star Joao Palhinha and Matheus Nunes, who he may well follow to the Black Country.

Julen Lopetegui includes Porto, Spain and Real Madrid on his managerial CV but is currently struggling to hold on to his position at Sevilla.

The Spanish tactician, 56, has been in the role since 2019 and has finished in the top four every season since, as well as winning the Europa League in 2020.

Sevilla have got off to a shoddy start this time around, however, and Lopetegui is fighting for his job with one win in seven seeing his side sit above the relegation zone.

Despite his recent struggles, the former goalkeeper brings plenty of experience and would not require a compensation payment if he gets the chop in the coming days with tough tests against Borussia Dortmund and Athletic Bilbao ahead.

Wolves have been keen to recruit from Portugal when hiring players and managers due to their relationship with agent Jorge Mendes.

Former Chelsea and Spurs chief Villas-Boas has been out of work since leaving Marseille over his frustration with the club’s transfer dealings in February 2021.

AVB has been pursuing his passion for racing and made his maiden appearance at the World Rally Championship last year.

The Portuguese coach, 44, has bags of experience for his age and has two years as a Premier League manager under his belt, albeit unsuccessful ones, making him an interesting candidate to drive Wolves forward.

Wolves may decide to ditch their policy of looking abroad for managers with a specialist in fighting the drop available closer to home.

Sean Dyche was axed by Burnley at the tail end of last season in an ultimately doomed attempt to avoid relegation.

He enjoyed a stellar record in close to a decade with the Clarets and has a point to prove after his controversial dismissal.

Dyche, 51, does bring a reputation as a defensive manager and there would be questions about whether he can fix Wolves’ issues in front of goal.

Sergio Conceicao has risen through the coaching ranks since landing his first job as the main man with Algarve-based minnows Olhanense in 2012.

His career took him to Academica, Braga, Vitoria Guimaraes and Nantes before he took over Porto in 2017.

Three league titles and five domestic cup triumphs have followed, as well as three Primeira Liga Manager of the Year gongs.

Boasting a win rate of over 70% and a reputation for playing progressive, attacking football, the 47-year-old would appear a dream option.

But prising him from his current employers, who can offer Champions League football, could prove difficult.