Council calls for Wolves fans to show unity in wake of sale decision
WOLVERHAMPTON City Council has urged Wolves supporters as well as those in the wider city to retain a united front following the decision by owner Steve Morgan to put the famous football club up for sale.
Morgan, founder of housing group Redrow, shocked supporters and the city in general on Monday when he announced he was putting his 100% shareholding in the club up for sale eight years after he brought the club for a tenner from Sir Jack Hayward.
The local authority said Wolverhampton Wanderers was part of the city’s DNA and it was therefore vital that fans and non-supporters alike stood together.
Cllrs Roger Lawrence and Peter Bilson, respectively leader and deputy leader of the city council, are both Wolves season ticket holders.
Cllr Lawrence said: “This news has undoubtedly come as a shock to everyone both inside and outside of Molineux. Steve’s passion and ambition for Wolves and the wider city has always been obvious. He will have his own reasons and we should respect his decision. We must all stick together as the Wolves family.
“Wolves is part of the DNA of this city and as fans we must recognise that what is important now is the future. In chief executive Jez Moxey, the club has a vastly experienced, highly competent operator at the helm and he, Kenny Jackett and the staff and players need our support to take Wolves forward.
“Steve has said that his commitment and financial support to Wolves will continue until a new owner can be found. The season has a long way to go and we must show our support on and off the pitch.”
Cllr Bilson added: “Steve Morgan has invested not just in Wolves, but also in the wider city through the new Youth Zone, the wonderful facilities at Compton Park and the community trust. We enjoy a strong relationship with both Steve and Wolves and will support him and the club in any way we can to ensure that what happens next is in the best interests of Wolves and Wolverhampton.”
The club has said that despite Monday’s announcement it is ‘business as usual’ at Molineux with the day-to-day the running of the club continuing to be the responsibility of chief executive Jez Moxey.
Experts have estimated that the club could be valued at somewhere between £30-£40m, although it would have been worth considerably more had it benefited from Premier League television revenues.
That said, both Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion are currently up for sale and despite their Premier League status neither have so far attracted a buyer.
