Gary O'Neil has been named new manager of Wolves.

The former Bournemouth manager has signed a three-year contract at Molineux. He succeeds Julen Lopetegui, who left by mutual consent yesterday.

Sporting director Matt Hobbs told the club's website: “I had a conversation with Julen in the tunnel after the Celtic game. He was honest with his opinion and what he thought should happen. What was great was he was happy for us to take our time and interview other candidates and he was willing to wait until we found the right person, continuing to work and prepare the team properly.

“The way he and his staff worked during that period tells you everything you need to know about them. It's allowed us time to go through a thorough process. It's an opportunity to do something different with a young, up and coming British coach and from the people we met, Gary was clearly the right person from very early into his presentation.

“His attention to detail, thoroughness and history of developing players impressed us – he's worked with both young and experienced players and understands the process. The detail he showed with his tactical work, including against us last year, gives you confidence about the work he and his staff put into every game.

“He has his way of playing, what he wants to do, but he tweaks it for each opposition and understands he has to change patterns of games to create opportunities. He's very forward thinking, very driven, like he has a point to prove because he did a great job at Bournemouth. I came away feeling very excited and optimistic after the interview. I'm pleased to have him on board.

“He showed good knowledge of our squad and how it works within his principles. Like any new manager, it'll take time to get used to the players and understand them, not only on a tactical level. Part of our decision was if he fits to our squad, because we don't want to rebuild a squad, we want to keep our principles going forward now, so we can have a long-term strategy."

Detailing the recruitment process, Hobbs continued: “Like I talk about with players, we try to get a lot of references. Trying to do it for head coaches is tougher, but we've had numerous references from staff who've worked alongside him, staff around the club to get a feel for him as a person and players he's coached at Liverpool and Bournemouth, the ones who played every week and ones who couldn't get in the team.

“Everything's been positive. Everyone talks about his man management skills, bringing everything together and his support staff have worked on that too. He's good in youth development and has Premier League experience."