Wolves confirm away fan switch for several games at Molineux this season
Wolves will relocate away fans at Molineux for a number of games - and it has already happened.
Wolves are set to relocate away supporters for several fixtures this season to give more home fans the chance to back their side.
Visiting supporters will be moved to the Stan Cullis Quadrant, with the switch already used for the opening Championship fixture against Blackburn Rovers.
However, the switch will not be possible for every fixture, with each decision dependent on safety considerations and agreement from the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) and police.
That was the case for recent home fixtures against Stoke City and fierce rivals West Brom, when visiting supporters remained in the Steve Bull Lower.
The minimum away allocation is smaller in the Championship than in the Premier League, while the introduction of licensed standing in the Stan Cullis Quadrant has increased the number of usable seats in that area, giving Wolves greater flexibility over where visiting supporters are accommodated.
The accommodation of away supporters in the Steve Bull Lower has been a “longstanding football consideration” at the club, with head coaches including Cesar Peixoto having raised the potential impact of visiting supporters being positioned prominently along the side of the pitch.
Minutes from the club’s recent Fan Advisory Board (FAB) meeting stated: “Under EFL requirements, the minimum away allocation is lower than in the Premier League, while the introduction of licensed standing in the Stan Cullis Quadrant has increased the number of usable seats in that area.
“Together, those changes provide greater flexibility to accommodate visiting supporters in the Quadrant for selected fixtures.
“The club explained that moving away supporters from the Steve Bull Lower where appropriate has been a longstanding football consideration, with successive head coaches having raised the potential impact of having visiting supporters positioned prominently along the side of the pitch.
“A number of fixtures have already been identified where the Quadrant can be used, subject to agreement with the Safety Advisory Group and police. Other fixtures will be assessed closer to the date, taking into account factors such as expected demand, previous behaviour and the sporting context.”
More than 2,500 Albion supporters filled the Steve Bull Lower for Sunday’s Black Country derby at Molineux, where Wolves secured a 1-0 victory.
At the FAB meeting, members asked whether reducing away allocations at Molineux would result in Wolves receiving fewer tickets for corresponding away fixtures.
The club said allocations are determined independently by each home club, with decisions at Molineux balancing “home advantage, supporter demand, safety and potential ticket revenue.”