Nathan Shi has released a statement following his appointment as interim chairman of Wolves last week – and there is one line that is particularly encouraging.
There was big news last Friday as Wolves announced that Jeff Shi was no longer the chairman.
It has been reported he stepped down, but some have also suggested he was fired from the position by Fosun. But he remains chairman and CEO of Fosun Sports Group, he just won’t have operational duties at Wolves.
It is a big development.
Jeff Shi had become a deeply unpopular figure at the club over the last couple of years, with supporters believing many of his decisions have contributed to the current mess.
Shi frustrated senior staffers at Wolves with his dominance, and it was also claimed that Shi sometimes prioritised eSports over Wolves.
Nathan Shi has now stepped into the role on an interim basis, and last night, he communicated to fans for the first time.
Nathan Shi tells fans he knows he must rebuild trust through actions, not words
Last night, Wolves released a clip of the new interim chairman across their social media channels.
Nathan Shi spoke for around three minutes, acknowledging the current situation and talking about the intentions moving forward.
He also reaffirmed Fosun’s commitment to Wolves.
Some have taken a cynical view of his statement, and others have praised Nathan for his communication.
There is one part of the statement though that does make for encouraging reading, and it is the part about rebuilding trust through actions.
Wolves fans, what did you make of Nathan Shi’s first statement? 🤔
The new interim chairman has a huge job on his hands…
He said: “I recognise the current strength of feeling among supporters comes from your deep loyalty and pride in this club. Wolves means something special to this city and to its people.
“Frustration, criticism and emotion reflect high standards and a genuine desire to see the club succeed. I have heard you, and I know that trust has to be rebuilt through actions, not words.”
He later adds: “We understand our responsibility to you – to be open, to communicate clearly, and to take accountability for our decisions.”
- READ MORE: Rob Edwards shares key Nathan Shi desire after first meeting and makes Fosun claim some won’t buy
Nathan Shi couldn’t win with his statement
The statement from Nathan Shi has rather split Wolves fans on social media.
Understandably, there are plenty who have not welcomed it given how Fosun have plunged the club into this mess.
But others feel Nathan came across honest and sincere, and they are willing to give him a chance.
Wolves fans, do you believe Rob Edwards about Fosun’ intentions? 🤔
Nathan Shi has replaced Jeff Shi as interim chairman after the latter stepped down…
It was a difficult one for the new interim chairman, because if he did not make this statement, then some fans would have been questioning the lack of communication.
Now he has made one, and some are taking a cynical view.
Realistically, it was the right play from Nathan to express some thoughts early on. And to talk about repairing the relationship with the fans through actions was encouraging – hopefully, he will actually now deliver on this.
Receive a digest of our best Wolverhampton Wanderers content each week direct to your mailbox
Join the fan conversation
