'New era for Wolves' - fans

Fans and players have reacted to developments at Molineux, amid claims of an imminent Wolves takeover, writes

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Wolves star Jay Bothroyd didn't seem too concerned when he turned up for training in his Bentley yesterday morning.

His £110,000 GT, with personal number plates, displays the kind of wealth that players at a Championship club like Wolves can expect to amass.

And, with a £20 million bid on the table, Graeme Souness and his consortium believe they can attract further riches.

If they were to take control of the club and then gain promotion, they could expect a windfall running into tens of millions of pounds.

It is this prospect that attracted Souness to the club, although Bothroyd today appeared unconcerned at any future upheaveal.

The 24-year-old striker, sitting in his black Bentley and wearing a large diamond earring, said today: "I haven't heard anything about Graeme Souness taking over the club.

"It is not going to change my life if he does."

It may not be life or death to Bothroyd, but it comes fairly close to the thousands of loyal fans desperate for success.

Supporters were hungry for news of a takeover, hopeful that it could bring with it the impetus to take Wolves back into the big time of Premiership football.

And most welcomed any move to bring Souness in, while still being respectful of Sir Jack Hayward's achievements.

"Graeme Souness is a big character, I just hope he doesn't interfere with the running of the club too much. Mick McCarthy is at Wolves for the long term and I don't want this to upset that. At least Souness is a football character and a bit of investment in the team would be nice."

Student Greg Richards, aged 19, from Kemble Close, Willenhall said he thought Sir Jack Hayward had done a great job as chairman and owner.

He said: "He's been brilliant the way he's built up the club and the stadium, but if we want to move on to the next level, maybe it's time that someone else came in.

"I've got great respect for Sir Jack but he's not going to be around forever and his sons don't have the same interest in the club. My concern is that Souness is such a big character and so is Mick McCarthy and I hope they don't clash, like what is happening at Chelsea at the moment."

Matthew Pope, aged 18, a student, from Alvington Close, Willenhall, said : "I've been a Wolves fan all my life so I don't know anything different to having a Hayward in charge. The club is moving in the right direction at the moment with a good manager and young players so I hope nothing is done to upset that.

"As long as Souness doesn't interfere with the team too much and brings in some money it could be a good thing for us."

Terence Tatney, aged 61, retired, from Dudley he said: "I'm not a Wolves fan, but I think this might be a good thing for the club, but then again it might not. I do not think he would both manager and chairman though as it would be too much. I think he was a good footballer and he was strict, but we'll have to wait and see how it goes."

Malcolm Clarke, aged 69, retired, from Lower Gornal. He said: "I used to be a Wolves fan and I heard about this a few months ago. I am not sure whether it will be a good thing, but I think Souness will be okay. Glen Hoddle was the best manager at the club, but they didn't have the money for him."

Alan Russell, aged 61, trader with A&J Records, from Dudley said: "I am a Spurs fan but I should think this will be a good thing for Wolves. I want to see all the Midlands clubs back in the Premiership. I think he will manage this although he will probably want to do something with the team. The question is has he got the money? But hopefully this will be good for the club as they have got a class ground for a first division ground.

Alan Bennet, aged 53, a market trader, from Lower Gornal, praised Sir Jack - but said it was time for a fresh start.

He said: "I think Sir Jack has done really well, he has put a lot of time and effort into the club, but I think it is time to move on. The fans can be fickle. It is a good thing for them to sell and I think Souness will do alright. I think he may struggle not to get involved in management as he is quite hands-on, but I think Mick McCarthy has done a tremendous job with what he's got and that comes from a Albion fan.

Stephen Hall, aged 78, retired, from Dudley, said: "He was a good footballer. He was a hard man and I have heard he's offered £20million. It could be a good thing for the club, but it was a shock when I heard. You never know, he may want to play again.

Steven Jevons, aged 28, chef, from Dudley, said: "I am a Wolves fan but I am not the biggest fan of Souness after what happened at Liverpool. I would prefer to keep Jack Hayward. I think this will be a bad decision, he would probably want to get involved and Mick McCarthy is doing okay. I think they need to do something, but putting it in Graeme Souness's hands is another matter."

Adam Walters, aged 17, a student at Stafford College, said: "I don't think it would be a good thing for the Wolves. He may have been a good player but he wasn't a good manager. I am a Derby supporter myself so I am not overly bothered how Wolves get on, but I wouldn't like to see them getting deeper into trouble and they certainly need the cash injection."

Mike Mellor, 64-year-old retired printer from Tillington, Stafford, said: "Souness was a brilliant player but never had much success as a manager, so how he would get on taking over Wolves I don't know."

Jamie Wortley, aged 18, unemployed from Cannock, said: "I have been a Wolves fan all my life and my parents are as well. I am not sure what Souness can do for the club but we need the cash injection and and I believe he has the contacts to get us a good striker.What we need is another Steve Bull. If Souness can make a go of it then I, for one, will be very happy."

Corrine Beresford, aged 42, a merchandiser from Rising Brook, Stafford, said: "My husband Neal is a season ticket holder at Wolves and thinks he would be pleased. They definitely need the money and if Souness can give them a boost perhaps Neal won't be coming home depressed so often."

Roy Spilsbury, aged 47, a PDSA worker from Penkridge, said: "I am Wolves supporter for my sins and I was a bit surprised when heard about Souness but if there is money coming into the club that can't be bad."