Gary O’Neil admits he IS getting closer to being sacked by Wolves after suffering a fourth straight defeat against Ipswich – as his players are involved in a furious bust-up AGAIN at full-time

Wolves manager Gary O’Neil admitted he is getting closer to the sack as his side conceded in injury-time at a toxic Molineux.

Jack Taylor’s 94th-minute winner for Ipswich sparked a scuffle between opposition players at the final whistle – not the first time O’Neil’s players have lost discipline – whilst supporters noisily made their anger clear towards chairman Jeff Shi and the Fosun owners.

Uncharacteristically, O’Neil laid into his side after they allowed their relegation rivals to snatch the points and even though he was given a vote of confidence a few days ago, he knows the consequences of another loss at Leicester next weekend.

‘Every result that comes, the chance of me losing my job will heighten,’ he admitted.

‘I am sure when I speak to Jeff and Matt (Hobbs, sporting director), the message will be “you have to be better or you will get replaced.”

‘I am comfortable with my standards as a coach. This group need me this week. I will keep fighting for them and with them until I am told not to.

Gary O’Neil admitted he is edging closer to the exit door at Wolves after another defeat

Wolves fell to a 94th-minute winner by Ipswich as they lost 2-1 at Molineux on Saturday 

Jack Taylor was elated after giving Ipswich just their second win since getting promoted

‘You can get replaced. That goes for me. It goes for players. Change will come if you constantly fall below the level.’

O’Neil was particularly fuming that Nelson Semedo, appointed captain last week, was outmuscled by Liam Delap in the build-up to Ipswich’s opener after 15 minutes, though the final touch was from Wolves defender Matt Doherty.

He was equally appalled by Wolves – who have the worst record in the league defending set pieces – ignored marking instructions to allow Taylor’s winner.

And following recent disciplinary issues involving Jose Sa and Mario Lemina, he wasn’t impressed by Rayan Ait-Nouri receiving a second yellow card after full-time for squaring up with Delap. Matheus Cunha, who had scored the equaliser after 72 minutes, was involved in a touchline melee with steward who was trying to pull him away from trouble.

‘The first goal was unacceptable in the Premier League. I saw Liam Delap bash up defenders like that at under-18s when he was two foot taller than them. Ipswich won’t score that goal against any other team.

‘I would take responsibility for the set piece if the players had stood in the right place. It was a real poor decision in a poor moment. Two people decided to change positions to defend a corner. I would expect Santi Bueno to be able to deal with the level.’

As for Ait-Nouri’s emotional reaction to losing, the manager added: ‘When the players step out of line, they are heavily punished by me. Being unavailable for Leicester could have catastrophic consequences.’

None of Wolves’ woes should detract from a significant win for Ipswich. Their opener was fortunate – after Delap’s good work, the ball went in when Toti’s clearance from Conor Chaplin’s shot rebounded off Doherty – but impressively they kept belief even after Cunha had beaten Ari Muric at the near post to equalise.

Mail Sport has previously reported how Wolves have been actively seeking O’Neil’s successor

They held tentative talks with Graham Potter last month but O’Neil, who did well to keep Wolves up last season, remains in his post

Last weekend, Ipswich lost 2-1 to Bournemouth despite leading after 87 minutes but they refused to buckle again and Taylor’s towering header from Jack Clarke’s corner took them to within a point from safety though Delap is suspended for their next game against Newcastle after a fifth booking.

VAR did look at the winner with an Ipswich player in an offside position but deemed not to be interfering with Wolves ‘keeper Sam Johnstone.

‘The momentum was against us at 1-1 but we kept attackers on the pitch. The belief was there to have a moment for us to get a winner,’ said their manager Kieran McKenna.

‘The mood in the dressing-room is fantastic. These are moments to cherish. We’ve had some moments go against us but there are no violins from us as a football club.

‘It feels like a big win. Six of the starters were in League One with us. Every individual has their story.’

Fittingly, McKenna had invited his friend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – himself famous for a late winner – to the game as his guest. ‘It was a similar flick header in 1999 to Jack’s,’ smiled the Town boss. ‘Maybe Ole brought us some luck!’

Another change of routine which had a happy ending was famous fan Ed Sheeran watching his beloved Tractor Boys for the first time from the directors’ box.

They could have celebrated even more goals with Chaplin and Delap also going close though Jorgen Strand Larsen and Cunha also thought they’d put Wolves ahead in a frantic finale.