There are many ways to improve the atmosphere at a ground, and Wolves have become known for their light shows before evening kick-offs, but some fans want them to bring something back.
Over the course of the season, Wolves have been trialling new pre-match songs, with the likes of Fields of Gold and Those Were The Days being played.
So far this season, and results have played a part, fans have been left feeling the atmosphere has dwindled, which is a far cry from the times when Ruben Neves said Premier League players found Molineux difficult to play at.
In the search for an improvement in atmosphere, fans over the weeks have been looking for Hi Ho Silver Lining to return higher up the playlist.
Calls for Hi Ho Silver Lining (Wolverhampton) to return later in pre-match playlist
Hi Ho Silver Lining had been Wolves’ final pre-match song for some time, but over the summer, after surveys with fans, it was promptly put further down the playlist.
In The Athletic, they said, “A large majority of fans questioned in a focus group responded to say they were in favour of swapping, or at least open to the idea for the right alternative.”
However, so far this season, that alternative has not been found.
This has led to some fans over recent weeks asking for it to return, as the song helps boost the atmosphere before each game.
One fan said, “Please just play ‘Hi Ho Silver Lining’ as the last song before kickoff. Fields of Gold and Those Were The Days are just too slow.”
Another had a similar sentiment stating, “We really do need Hi Ho Silver Lining played just after the players come out again; such a terrible idea to play it earlier…”
A different supporter said, “I genuinely believe in tradition and pre-match ritual. Bring it back and we start winning again. If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.”
With another stating, “Couldn’t agree more; why mess with tradition? It gets the fans up for it and creates a better atmosphere for the start of the game.”
While one fan said, “People don’t realise that when they lose it, Hi Ho lifted the stadium.”
Importance of a strong pre-match song
A good pre-match song can really boost the atmosphere and get fans up for a match.
It sets the tone and can raise the energy levels for the players as well. There are many benefits to having a quality song in the build-up to kick-off.
Over the years, we have seen clubs begin to see its importance.
Arsenal, in particular, adopting ‘North London Forever’, has seen the whole crowd sing in unison and truly build a hostile ground for away teams, and while it is quite slow, it captures the identity of the club.
Whether you are part of the group looking for Hi Ho Silver Lining to return or you are part of the group wanting something different, both sets want the same thing.
The club needs to find a balance that all fans agree with and something that becomes consistent with Wolves and captures the spirit of the club.