Wolves face fan petition over The Money Shop sponsorship deal

The Money Shop was announced as Wolves' main shirt sponsor yesterday on a three-year deal.

But supporters have hit out at the deal, believing Wolves shouldn't be promoting a pay-day loan company.

The petition, launched by Tom Byrne from Sedgley, calls for Wolves to reverse the decision. It had received 1,180 signatures by Thursday morning.

It states: "We strongly feel that that the Money Shop's business practices, whilst legal, do not fit with the ethics of the football club, the supporters and the area it represents and believe that this is something that as custodians and employees of the club you should seek to consider and uphold where ever possible.

Wolves fan Charles Ross, who edited popular fanzine A Load of Bull, said the the move would damage Wolves' reputation.

He added: "I for one will not wear a Money Shop shirt, nor buy any Wolves merchandise carrying their logo.

"I will not become a walking billboard for such a company.

"The sad thing is, Wolves do a lot of great stuff in the community. But this will cause huge reputational damage to the club, and on a national level."

Jez Moxey has defended the move saying the Money Shop was 'reputable' and that the firm was keen to improve the image of the industry.

He added: "It's a highly regulated business. They're here to try and improve the image of the sector.

"It's a service that if it wasn't available, the alternatives to the people who need it are quite stark.

"I don't think we could have associated with a more reputable firm.

"Engagement with fans and community is at the very heart of this relationship."

The Money Shop has been associated with Wolves since 2009 and already sponsors the South Bank.