Molineux safety fears grow after debris incident amid decades of stalled redevelopment | OneFootball

Molineux’s safety concerns intensified when the 1-1 draw with Sunderland was disrupted by falling debris, prompting a partial evacuation of the South Bank. Metal dropped from the roof and struck a supporter, who sustained minor injuries.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, the club had previously offered assurances over inspections and repairs, yet the incident has sharpened scrutiny and reignited debate about years of stalled redevelopment and visible wear.

The ground’s modern story tracks back to 1979, when the John Ireland, now the Steve Bull, was built as phase one of a wider rebuild that never followed. Cost pressures fed 1980s decay, closures followed the 1985 Bradford fire, then council ownership in 1986 preceded Sir Jack Hayward’s 1990 takeover and an all-seater rebuild completed by 1993.

Three new stands rose, but the Steve Bull remained from 1979, leaving an ageing outlier. The Stan Cullis was expanded in 2011-12, only for 2012 relegation to stall broader plans.

Fosun set out a 2019 plan to lift capacity to around 46,000, centred on replacing the Steve Bull. The project was paused during the pandemic as attention shifted to smaller, corporate-led upgrades, while criticism of superficial maintenance grew.

With relegation to the Championship confirmed and attendances falling, a grand expansion appears unlikely soon. More limited Steve Bull work is likelier, with Jeff Shi saying in December a rebuild project was ongoing and seeking more council support. Councillor Stephen Simkins later said delays lay with the club, and Shi stepped down as chairman two days later. Molineux now needs sustained care to look the part and, above all, to operate safely.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com