Molineux safety fears grow after debris incident as long-stalled rebuild faces fresh scrutiny | OneFootball

Molineux faces fresh scrutiny after the 1-1 draw with Sunderland was interrupted by a safety incident. Metal debris fell from the South Bank roof, causing minor injuries to a supporter and prompting a partial evacuation.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, the club said inspections and repairs were in hand, yet the episode has intensified concern and revived debate over stalled redevelopment and visible wear.

The Molineux Street Stand was replaced by the John Ireland in 1979 as phase one of a rebuild that never followed. Its reportedly £2.5m cost deepened problems, and by the mid-1980s the ground had decayed.

After the 1985 Bradford City fire, new rules closed the North Bank and Waterloo Road. By 1986 only two sections were open, and the council bought the site. Sir Jack Hayward’s 1990 takeover delivered an all-seater rebuild by 1993.

One element stayed, the 1979 Steve Bull Stand, leaving an imbalance. Wolves expanded the Stan Cullis in 2011 to 2012, but relegation in 2012 stalled wider plans.

Fosun’s 2019 blueprint targeted about 46,000 capacity and a rebuilt Steve Bull Stand. The pandemic paused it, focus shifted to incremental and corporate upgrades, and criticism of ageing infrastructure has grown.

With relegation to the Championship confirmed, attendances falling and tensions rising, that expansion looks unlikely soon. Limited work on the Steve Bull Stand appears more plausible, with Jeff Shi saying in December a rebuild project was ongoing and urging more council support. Councillor Stephen Simkins later said he was disappointed and that delays stem from the club, and Shi stepped down two days after.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com