Express & Star

Wolves fans are hoping to secure their golden ticket

Wolves fans are hoping they will be among the lucky ones and get to relish ‘that special Molineux atmosphere’ after more than a year away.

Published
Last updated

Supporters have not been at the ground since a 0-0 draw with Brighton on March 7 last year, but they can now enter a ballot for the final game of this season against Manchester United.

Those who had a season ticket in 2019/20 can put themselves into the draw and will be selected at random to be able to purchase tickets for the clash on May 23rd.

And Adam Virgo, who has followed Wolves home and away for several years, says he hopes he will get accepted along with a few friends so they can meet up for a drink beforehand and finally get to enjoy a proper matchday experience again.

“Excited isn’t even the word. The thought of being back at Molineux again after being away for so long is just incredible,” said Virgo.

“Being able to support the team is something all of us fans have wanted to do for a long time, especially when we know we have such a huge impact on the team with how loud Molineux can be.

“I will 100 per cent be entering along with some of my close friends, too.

“We’re all hoping to get a ticket so we can meet up at the pub before the game, have a few beers and enjoy the whole match day experience as you do.”

Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo has longed for the return of fans.

Nuno Espirito Santo has missed the fans (PA)

Matt Cooper, who founded the Talking Wolves fan channel, is greatly excited over the chance to return to Molineux, too – even though performances have not been brilliant throughout this campaign.

“Although it’s been a season to forget, the lure of being back inside Molineux still excites me greatly,” he said.

“Not being able to go to games twinned with a disappointing season has meant I’ve felt extremely detached from Wolves and the game but I am more than raring to go in building that bridge again and getting back into Molineux.

“I will certainly be applying for the ballot and despite this season, if I do get a ticket then I will be singing my heart out for the lads – win, lose or draw.

“I’d like to say I wouldn’t be too fussed if I wasn’t successful in the ballot but I think come matchday, seeing the coverage of fans in at Molineux, I’d certainly be filled with envy then.

“One thing I do hope for is that those fans who are fortunate to get a ticket, that they make up for lost time and bring back that special Molineux atmosphere that we’ve all missed for the full 90 minutes.”

Wolves said the ballot, which opened this morning, was the ‘fairest way’ of doing things.

Supporters can enter the ballot via the club’s website and will then receive the outcome of their entry by 5pm on Friday, May 7.

A separate ballot is taking place for corporate season ticket-holders, but with the same timeline.

Clive Smith plans to enter, too, as he said: “The matchday experience over the last 12 months has lost all resemblance to what we previously had.

“Normal is a distant memory and appears still someway off.

“But the chance to shout, scream, rant, go ballistic and maybe even smile again inside Molineux with other members of the pack far outways the soul-destroying feeling of shouting at the TV. Let me in.”

Long-standing supporter Russ Evers will not be entering the ballot, although he is happy that a limited number of fans can return.

“The experience will not be the same although a limited number of fans being allowed back is a start,” said Evers.

“Personally, I would have liked to see Wolves offering all available tickets to NHS and emergency service workers as a ‘thank you’ from the club and its fans.”

Rob Cartwright is currently undecided on whether to enter as he said: "I’m really in two minds about the ticket ballot.

"On the one hand, I’m desperate to get back to going to live games and have missed attending Molineux tremendously. On the other hand, I’m not sure a half-empty stadium, with limited numbers allowed, is going to hit the mark for me right now.

"During lockdown, I’ve gone from watching a TV game every night, to now only watching the Wolves games and not really enjoying the sterile atmosphere and pretend crowd noise. The ridiculous comments of the match summarisers leave me frustrated. VAR has nearly killed my love for the game.

"So, a few days thinking to be done. I may well wait until we can return to a full and noisy Molineux."

Other supporters chipped in with their thoughts on social media as well.

Twitter user Chris Southan added: “It is the fairest way. Some will moan, those who have had season tickets for years and years won’t like it if they lose out. But if you start doing it on length of season ticket it will get messy. Keep it simple. There will be nowt riding on the game anyways.”