Jeff Shi’s recent interview with BBC West Midlands did not have the desired effect with supporters, as it seemed to anger them more than calm them down – and it is not just fans who were left upset.
The bombshell interview by the club’s executive chairman came after protests by fans during their game against Manchester United.
Supporters did not take their seats until the 15th minute of the match. Now, more protest plans are in place for Brentford on Saturday.
In the interview, Shi said a lot of things that rubbed people the wrong way. The chairman said, ‘Relegation is a technical term,’ prompting backlash from former Premier League footballers.
What are your honest thoughts on Jeff Shi after his claim about relegation for Wolves? Let us know below!
Yes. He actually said this…
Shi also provided an update plan for the Steve Bull Stand, in which he expressed his disappointment with the local council’s involvement.
And those words have also not gone down well.
The Steve Bull Stand’s regeneration is held up by Wolves, according to a councillor
Jeff Shi’s BBC West Midlands interview certainly caused a stir, and it has prompted a response from the Wolverhampton Council.
The Wolves chairman stated his dissatisfaction with the council’s lack of involvement in plans to improve Molineux.
Those claims have now seemingly frustrated the council, with the Wolverhampton Council leader speaking out.
Councillor Stephen Simkins said (via Express and Star), “We were disappointed by Mr Shi’s comments regarding a lack of support from the council for the football club’s plans.
“We have a long and proud history of supporting our football club – indeed, our crucial intervention in 1986 saved the club from collapse.”
He also said they have worked alongside the club on various projects to refurbish Molineux, but none have come to fruition.
These include plans for an ‘ambitious Molineux Quarter Masterplan’, as well as bringing in ‘significant investment to a space outside the stadium’.
Jeff Shi confirms plans to redevelop the Steve Bull stand 👷
What do you make of his proposal?🤔
Additionally, he responded to Jeff Shi’s claims about hosting music events at Molineux by saying the council ‘part-funded a review’ on how the stadium could be used for big music concerts, and that experts provided recommendations which the council hoped would be listened to.
“Unfortunately, the club did not move forward with any of these plans, but we are ready and waiting to progress them when they are.”
Finally, the councillor did reveal they do plan to help the club out in the future, and they will continue to maintain “a constructive and positive relationship with the club.”
- READ MORE: Tim Spiers shares some very uncomfortable context about Wolves and sends big warning to Fosun
Wolves need to start working on refurbishment plans
It is time for the war of words to end, and Jeff Shi and Fosun need to start delivering on promises.
Plans to expand Molineux were made, but that has all gone very quiet. Shi says he is working on getting partners for the project, but fans will find little reassurance from a man who has let them down so much before.
If the council are willing to step in, Shi needs to take them on board, but it seems he is not a fan of anything that they suggest.
Time will tell when Molineux’s expansion happens, but there certainly won’t be hope among supporters that it will arrive anytime soon.
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