Wolves reject trophy plea
Wolves have rejected a plea to put the Championship trophy on display as part of a major parade in the city this weekend – saying no players were around to make it worthwhile.
The club were approached by Wolverhampton City Council over featuring the trophy in the Steam and Vintage Rally in West Park.
The parade forms part of the two-day event, which is expected to attract around 40,000 people to see classic cars, engines and military vehicles from the past. Council chiefs were hoping that the Wolves trophy would be an extra attraction and any players would pull in bigger crowds.
Last month, the club decided not to hold a city centre parade because of concerns over health and safety regulations.
Matt Grayson, head of communications at Wolves, said today: "The players have now all departed, either for international duty or a well-earned break, and will not be back together as a group until they report for pre-season training.
"The feedback we are receiving from many fans, including the Fans Parliament, is that we have now celebrated both promotion and the winning of the Championship title on several occasions."
The decision has angered the city's planning chief, Councillor Malcolm Gwinnett, who said: "I am very disappointed about this. The council has bent over backwards for the club to try and get something on."
Council spokesman Tim Clark said: "We went to the club with a range of dates where there could be a celebration event over the summer but it has always been a matter for the club to decide whether such an event is still relevant, taking into account player availability, international app-earances and pre-season."
A 20,000-gallon water tank will be installed in West Park for a 999 demonstration by the fire service, police and ambulance officers during this weekend's free event, which runs from 11am to 6pm on both days.
A Battle of Britain memorial flight will once again be one of the highlights.
