|
|
|
Molineux
Wolverhampton
Wanderers FC
The Ground
Molineux has been completely rebuilt in recent years,
with the oldest stand, then called the John Ireland Stand (since renamed the
Steve Bull Stand) being opened in 1979. Three other stands were then built
in the early 1990's with the Jack Harris Stand the last to be completed in
December 1993. The stadium itself is superb and is made up of four
separate stands. Both
ends are large single tiered stands (one of which the Stan Cullis Stand has
a small clock perched on its roof), whilst both sides are two tiered with a
row of executive boxes along the middle. Both the side stands are unusual in
being oval in shape, meaning that those sitting on the
half way line are furthest away from the playing action. It is a pity that
the stands do not go all the way around the ground, (the corners of the
ground are largely open) as this would make it a truly wonderful stadium. Martyn Wells adds; 'the clock on the Stan Cullis
Stand, is the original timepiece that sat atop the old Molineux
Street Stand (now the Steve Bull Stand) since the 1930's. It was moved
when the stands were re-developed'. There are
a couple of video screens in two of the
corners, but unfortunately the are no longer in
operation (there are rumours that these may be removed shortly and the areas
filled with temporary seating). With Wolves returning to the Premier
League, then the 'Gene Kelly' temporary stand makes a return, situated in
one corner between the Jack Harris and Billy Wright stands. This 900
capacity stand has green seats which makes it look out of place to the
rest of the stadium. This area is open to the elements so you could end up
'singing in the rain'.
What particularly impresses me about Molineux, is that quality
shows, getting the feeling that little expense has been
spared in its construction. This is perhaps best summed up by the two
statues that sit outside the ground. The
impressive statue of
Billy Wright is probably the finest
football statue located at any ground in Britain. It sits outside the main entrance to the club
offices. In 2003 the same designer, James
Butler produced another statue, this time of former player and manager
Stan Cullis, that is
located by the entrance to the ticket office at the back of the stand
bearing the mans name.
Future
Developments
Phil Painter
informs me; 'Plans to increase Molineux's capacity
to 40,000, have been put on hold for the time being.
The plans included replacing the Stan Cullis Stand with a larger two tiered structure, which
also enclosed both corners at that end of the ground by linking up
to the Billy Wright & Steve Bull Stands'.
|
