Wolves nearing Molineux redevelopment

Club bosses have been in discussions for months as to how to expand the historic ground.

Molineux has been full for every single home game so far this season and the club has a season ticket waiting list of 2,500 people.

Managing director Laurie Dalrymple has confirmed that the South Bank, aka the Sir Jack Hayward Stand, will be the first to be redeveloped. As revealed in the Express & Star earlier this season, the club is looking at doubling the South Bank's capacity to a 10,000 single-tier stand.

Molineux's redevelopment will be completed in stages, with the Steve Bull stand also set to be increased in size.

In theory the South Bank would take a year to redevelop, with work taking place behind the stand during the season and ready in the summer of 2020.

"We wanted to be comfortable that we have the ability to go up to 45,000-47,000, or even the mid-50,000 or higher," Dalrymple told a meeting of the Wolves Fans' Parliament.

"We wanted a plan that could potentially support the genuine ambition of the club. The latest plans give us comfort that we could get to those levels and importantly, this all with a view that, subject to the appropriate planning approval, would permit us to stay at Molineux.

"We would like to be in a position to push the button next summer, which as you can imagine puts significant pressure on us but that is what we are focusing on.

"We wish to be in a position whereby we have all of our plans and approvals in place. It then becomes a decision for the board and the owners as to when we proceed.

"Phase one is to redevelop the South Bank."

Liverpool's Anfield stadium recently underwent a major redevelopment, with work carried out during the season.

Dalrymple said Wolves could do the same.

"The principle would be similar in as much as construction could go in during the season, with a view to join the two stands in the off season," he added.

"Every home game is full, we have in excess of 15,000 members (5,000 only 18 months ago) and 2,500 on a waiting list, but I want to see that waiting list become much higher."

Wolves have explored the possibility of introducing 'safe standing' at Molineux for a number of years and with the government having commissioned a review of its all-seat policy, the law may be changed in years to come to permit Premier League clubs to cater for standing areas.

Head of operations Steve Sutton said at the meeting: "The general feeling is that, following the review of evidence, any policy review could be two or three years away and is very unlikely to happen while there is anything going on surrounding Hillsborough."