Post by PureOldGold on Dec 28, 2008 10:38:07 GMT -1
Wolves have admitted the credit crunch has led to a delay in plans to redevelop Molineux - with any work at least two years away.
The announcement means the capacity of Molineux will remain at 28,500 unless temporary stands are built - even if Wolves, seven points clear at the top of the Championship, are promoted to the Premier League this season.
Owner-chairman Steve Morgan is keen to expand the ground’s capacity to around 40,000.
And the club has carried out a feasibility study to enlarge Molineux with officials happy at ways the capacity can be increased.
But Wolves have decided to put plans on hold for the time being, with football gates everywhere suffering in the difficult economic climate.
Chief executive Jez Moxey said: “The credit crunch has not helped our business case but we remain committed to explore all possibilities of improving the stadium over the medium term.
“Having carried out an expansion feasibility study, the future for Molineux looks very positive.
“I would like to explain to everyone however, that these things take time and if we do push the button to start expanding the stad-ium, we are not likely to see any work carried (out) for a couple of seasons at least.”
Several alternative proposals have been looked at, with the merits of refurbishment and redevelopment of existing stands and building new ones examined.
One plan looked at is to convert the existing Stan Cullis Stand into a larger, two-tier structure linking up with the Billy Wright and Steve Bull Stands.
Moxey has urged fans to be patient, adding in his programme notes for yesterday’s game against Sheffield United: “We appreciate this is an exciting development for supporters and the plans will be exciting.
“Work is taking place behind the scenes to formulate the proposals but as yet we have no timescale as to when they will be revealed.”
The announcement means the capacity of Molineux will remain at 28,500 unless temporary stands are built - even if Wolves, seven points clear at the top of the Championship, are promoted to the Premier League this season.
Owner-chairman Steve Morgan is keen to expand the ground’s capacity to around 40,000.
And the club has carried out a feasibility study to enlarge Molineux with officials happy at ways the capacity can be increased.
But Wolves have decided to put plans on hold for the time being, with football gates everywhere suffering in the difficult economic climate.
Chief executive Jez Moxey said: “The credit crunch has not helped our business case but we remain committed to explore all possibilities of improving the stadium over the medium term.
“Having carried out an expansion feasibility study, the future for Molineux looks very positive.
“I would like to explain to everyone however, that these things take time and if we do push the button to start expanding the stad-ium, we are not likely to see any work carried (out) for a couple of seasons at least.”
Several alternative proposals have been looked at, with the merits of refurbishment and redevelopment of existing stands and building new ones examined.
One plan looked at is to convert the existing Stan Cullis Stand into a larger, two-tier structure linking up with the Billy Wright and Steve Bull Stands.
Moxey has urged fans to be patient, adding in his programme notes for yesterday’s game against Sheffield United: “We appreciate this is an exciting development for supporters and the plans will be exciting.
“Work is taking place behind the scenes to formulate the proposals but as yet we have no timescale as to when they will be revealed.”
