Molineux – Wolverhampton Wanderers
By SeasideEssexXile
What a couple of weeks. Defeat at the hands of the old enemy came hot on the heels of a home defeat to Ipswich, so perhaps Saturday’s away game can bring some welcome relief away from Bloomfield Rd. Not a chance. Top of the table high flying Wolves are our opposition and here`s hoping that a trip to the Black Country doesn`t see us bostin a gut.
How to get there
From the North – the M6 south will be like Friends Reunited this season but without the joining fee. Take the M6 to junction 12, then turn right onto the A5, after 1 mile take a left onto Stafford Road A449, continue past the Goodyear factory until you reach the five Ways roundabout, here take the 3rd exit onto Waterloo Road, the ground will be 0.25 mile on your left hand side.
From the South – Take the M6 to junction 10, then join the A454 continue on this road until you pass Wolverhampton Railway Station, then take the second right into Waterloo Road, after 0.25 mile the ground will be on your right hand side. Street parking is available around the ground.
For the Virgin lovers 15minute walk from the station. Head towards the town centre and follow to the left.
The Ground
Molineux has been totally redeveloped over recent years. My last memory of us there was that we seemed to be miles from the pitch, not helped by the fact that it was a night game, due to work commitments I’ll be missing out on a trip here again. We have been allocated the Lower Tier of the Steve Bull Stand, room for 3200 Pool Fans here but I would expect a lower turnout than last season. One thing is for certain, they love their history, not only naming their stands after famous players, but outside the ground there are two statues of their most loved sons – Billy Wright & Stan Cullis. Molineux is an impressive stadium and fans speak of the quality of the construction, hardly surprising as it cost over 20million in total for the complete redevelopment. Holding over 28500 there are plans to expand to hold over 43000, but that depends on a lengthy stay in the Premiership.
Where to drink
Most pubs around the ground adopt a member`s only approach, allowing few if any away fans in and certainly not wearing colours. Away fans report that it can be quite intimidating around the ground, and due to the closeness of the town centre suggestions are that the town centre is a safer and friendlier place to drink. For CAMRA lovers try the Great Western behind the train station.
Stewards & Plod
The stewarding is regarded here as low key, adopting a common sense approach, Plod will have a visible presence outside the ground, our reputation goes before us these days. Last Sunday proved testament to an unhealthy overtime bill for a rather thick blue line.
Fear Factor rating – 7
Our away record reads better than our home record. For me Saturdays about showing some passion and pride, both things were sadly lacking last week.
Games don’t come much harder than this. That said it was only a couple of months ago that Birmingham was as daunting a task.
The cameras will be there for a feature on The Championship and with the return game in 5 weeks time being beamed live around the country here’s our chance to show everyone what we are made of. Gentlemen, time to stand up and be counted.
Onwards + Upwards
