More tensions have emerged off the pitch at Wolverhampton Wanderers after chairman Jeff Shi publicly questioned the level of support the club has received from Wolverhampton Council. Those comments have now been met with a firm response from the council leader Stephen Simkins, who has moved to defend the local authority’s record of backing Wolves both historically and in recent years.<\/p>\n
Wolverhampton Council leader Simkins has responded strongly to comments made by Shi, after he said during an interview with BBC Radio West Midlands<\/a> that he had “requested more support from the local authority”. He then raised concerns about the level of backing for the redevelopment of Molineux and for hosting music events at the stadium.<\/p>\n Read More:<\/strong> Molineux Protest Shows Breaking Point For Wolves Fan<\/a><\/p>\n Those comments prompted a public rebuttal from Simkins<\/a>, who said:<\/p>\n \u201cWe were disappointed by Mr Shi\u2019s comments regarding a lack of support from the council for the football club\u2019s plans. We have a long and proud history of supporting our football club; indeed, our crucial intervention in 1986 saved the club from collapse”.<\/p>\n He went on to stress that the council have consistently worked alongside the football club and entirely rejected any implication of an uncooperative relationship. Simkin also listed several instances when the local authority has tried to work with the club:<\/p>\n Simkin then stated that: \u201cUnfortunately, the club did not move forward with any of these plans, but we are ready and waiting to progress them when they are”.<\/p>\n In defending the council’s position, Simkin pointed to its historic role in safeguarding the club’s existence. He highlighted the events of 1986 when Wolverhampton Council stepped in during a period of severe financial turmoil, an intervention that stopped Wolves from collapsing entirely.<\/p>\n\n
A Crucial Intervention In Wolves History<\/h3>\n