Wolves boss 'lack of support' claims criticised

The leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council has criticised claims by the boss of Wolverhampton Wanderers that there has been a lack of support for stadium revamp plans.

In an exclusive interview with BBC Radio WM, Wolves executive chairman Jeff Shi called for the council to step up and lead a project to modernise the Steve Bull stand at the Molineux stadium.

He discussed hopes to expand the stand to create a hospitality and events space.

Councillor Stephen Simkins said he was "disappointed" by the comments, and emphasised a commitment to a "constructive and positive relationship with the club" to move plans forward.

Shi told listeners: "I want more support, I haven't seen that yet, so I want more support from the council to have an understanding about the whole plan for that area because the stadium is at the core of the city so we can do a lot, we can do football matches, we can do events, we do theme parks or nightlife.

"By ourselves we are trying to make something happen, if you want a more perfect plan for the whole Molineux, I feel the next step, we should have different parties to work with us and the council should be the core leader."

Some fans have expressed their annoyance at the tatty appearance of parts of Molineux.

In response to Shi's claims, councillor Simkins said: "We have a long and proud history of supporting our football club – indeed, our crucial intervention in 1986 saved the club from collapse."

The council leader outlined a previous project in conjunction with the club and university to develop the Molineux Quarter masterplan.

He added: "We have also part-funded a review into how the stadium could be better utilised for major music concerts. Experts made a number of recommendations which we hope to see progressed as hosting major concerts at Molineux would bring thousands of visitors to our city centre and boost the local economy.

"Unfortunately, the club did not move forward with any of these plans, but we are ready and waiting to progress them when they are.

"Fans can be assured that the council wants nothing more than to see Wolves succeed at the highest possible level."

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