Credit crunch hits Wolves' plans

Wolves have admitted the credit crunch has led to a delay in plans to redevelop Molineux – with any work at least two years away.

The announcement means the capacity of Molineux will remain at 28,500 unless temporary stands are built – even if Wolves, who are seven points clear at the top of the Championship, win promotion to the Premier League this season.

Owner-chairman Steve Morgan is keen to expand the ground's capacity to around 40,000.

And the club has carried out a feasibility study to enlarge Molineux with officials happy at ways the capacity can be increased.

But Wolves have decided to put plans on hold for the time being, with gates having suffered through the difficult economic climate.

Chief executive Jez Moxey said: "The credit crunch has not helped our business case but we remain committed to explore all possibilities of improving the stadium over the medium term.

"Having carried out an expansion feasibility study, the future for Molineux looks very positive.

"I would like to explain to everyone however, that these things take time and if we do push the button to start expanding the stadium, we are not likely to see any work carried (out) for a couple of seasons at least."

Wolves' healthy position at the top of the Championship has seen a slight increase in their average crowds. The current mark is 23,801 – 1.3 per cent up on last season's 23,496.

Gates are the highest at Molineux for four seasons, thanks largely to the team's superb performances that has led to a rise in season ticket sales, up by 1,000 to 17,500.

Several alternative proposals have been looked at, with the merits of refurbishment and redevelopment of existing stands and building new ones examined.

One plan looked at is to convert the existing Stan Cullis Stand into a larger, two-tier structure linking up with the Billy Wright and Steve Bull Stands.

Wolves kept up their bid for promotion with a 1-1 draw against Sheffield United yesterday.

By TIM NASH