Gary O’Neil Prepares for Big Game Amid Personal Loss

Gary O’Neil will walk into a “big game” this weekend carrying something far heavier than tactical notes or team sheets.

The head coach revealed he has spent the week juggling grief and responsibility after the death of his father, but insisted he is ready to lead his side again.

“The past 24 hours have been tough,” he admitted, speaking with a calm that didn’t quite hide the strain. “I have managed to be there for the family and the team. The mourning and the memories of my dad will continue over the next few days but full focus is on what we need to do here, and the team have been great, the club have been great. I appreciate everyone's support.

“A tough few days but as life does, we need to move on. But I am looking forward to taking the club to a big game tomorrow.”

No comfort zones in selection

Emotion aside, O’Neil was clear: nobody in his squad should feel too comfortable.

Asked if he is close to settling on a regular XI, he pushed that idea away quickly.

“The team is not set, and it is not like I am stuck on a starting XI,” he said. “It is ever changing based off form and what we can do against the opposition.”

In other words, reputations won’t pick the side. Performances will.

Fitness boost – and one timely break

On the fitness front, the news was largely positive. Only Jack Taylor remains out, and even he is close.

“Everyone is fit apart from Jack Taylor,” O’Neil confirmed. “He is really close though, so the international break comes at a good time. As football normally does, it will throw up some new challenges, if it doesn't, we should be a fully fit squad.”

Azor Matusiwa is edging back too. He has been training fully, but O’Neil sees no need to rush him.

“We are just waiting for him to get enough reps in training for him to get comfortable,” he explained. “He is doing everything in training and is doing 11-v-11 with the guys on the grass, but he has been out quite a while, so we don't need to throw him back in.

“We have lots of midfielders and lots of players fit. We are trying to find the right moment to get him back in the team. He is available tomorrow, we haven't decided if he will play a part in it.”

Emersonn Correia da Silva, who had been managing a tight quad, has also been given the green light.

“All fine and all good,” O’Neil said. “It has been another good week for him. Things have settled down with the tight quad he had, and the game in the week helped him. He is available.”

Strong start, bigger test

Two wins from two against sides outside the “big club” bracket have given O’Neil a platform. He likes the start. He doesn’t think it’s enough.

“I think the two wins have been excellent for us, and to play two teams that aren't in the 'big club' category, it is a real good start,” he said. “We do still need to try and do better.”

That demand for more arrives just in time for a trip he clearly respects.

“Everton will be a test. They are excellent at home, they always are,” he said. “This is a game that we go in with confidence and belief and I have massive belief in us. We have prepped really well and trained well.”

Grief off the pitch, belief on it. Now comes the question that will shape the next stretch of their season: can his players match the resolve their manager is showing just to be on the touchline?