Wolverhampton Wanderers
2024/25 Finish - 16th Place
Medium-Large. A medium sized club and founding member of the EFL, with trophies and major successes in the 1960-80’s, followed by down years leading to new buyers in 2016 and a return to the top league and Europe. The focus is currently on significant international expansion and the hope to take the club beyond a “medium” club and compete for Europe year in and year out. Wolves definitely have the history for it, the ownership for it and great fan engagement club.
One Step Back, Two Forward. Last season was the second year of “just avoid relegation” and make sure “we don’t violate Financial Fair Play rules” season. The club had to sell some players and decided not to invest in new players during the summer window. Two years ago Owner Jeff Shi sent a letter to fans explaining:
“As we approach our 8th season as owners…An additional factor to consider in our FFP management is that last January we invested much more highly in the first-team than we had anticipated, bringing in six players. It was a very unusual winter window for us, and it literally advanced the investment room originally left for this summer…..The positive thing is that FFP is based on a rolling number, season by season, so if we do manage it well this summer, next summer we will be more free financially.”
As Planned. Unlike last summer, this summer Wolves have been buyers, most notably Rodrigo Gomes and Tommy Doyle who will add to a solid cast including Hwang Hee-chan, Mario Lemina and a top 5 goalkeeper in Jose Sa.
Investment. The club has lost some big names, Matheus Cunha, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Pablo Sarabia to name a few. They also have a new sporting director, Domenico Teti, who seems to be on the same pager as the Gaffer. They have some talent but are going to need to invest and they should have the money to. Jorgen Strand Larsen, Jhon Arias, David Moller Wolfe and Fernando Lopez have all been added for roughly $20M each. Now, can this club mesh and not get off to the slow start they have the last couple years.
The Club
Located in West Midlands suburb of Birmingham
Molineaux Stadium, 32,000 capacity
Rough estimates
$220M Annual Revenue
$75M Player Payroll
Home
Away
Ownership
Fosun International. A Chinese multinational conglomerate holding company purchased Wolves in 2016 for $50M. Jeff Shi is Chairman Wolves and describes his vision of growing their international fan base. “I can see the trend is going very fast, but our goal is not just about to make 100,000 or 200,000 fans more, our goal is to try to reach the largest fan base in the world. In the future, we have to compare ourselves with Liverpool, with Man City, with Man United and if you are thinking like this, it’s still a long way to go, but I’m happy to see the growth now.”
Biggest Rival - West Bromwich Albion, Black Country Derby
West Bromwich Albion, 11 miles
Wolves W53 L65 D44
Have struggled recently winning only 3 of 23 matches
Interestingly, Wolves have had more success by staying in the PL and W Brom relegated to the Championship.
CS noted going into last season that DEBET was a risky shirt sponsor.
Betting companies are throwing money around and questions surround how “real” these companies are. Take a look at the current (August 2) screenshot of DEBET. Two weeks before the season kicks off. At the end of the 2025/26 season, betting companies will no longer be eligible for front of shirt sponsorship, so this two-year deal will need to become a “sleeve sponsorship” if they decide to continue the relationship. Here is more on the sponsorship.
Looks like they are back for year 2!
The Culture
The Wolves had a lot of success when soccer and television took off in the 60-70’s. For example, they have a very large Scandinavian fanbase due to the area’s television coverage of Midlands football. The first ever match shown live in Sweden and Norway involved the Wolves, a 1-0 winner over Sunderland in 1969. However, the last 30+ years have been less impactful. Fast forward to 2020 where the Wolves were considered to have the fastest growing fanbase in England. The Wolves created the Fan Parliament, a one of its kind connection between the club and supporters. In 23/24 the Fan Advisory Board, a new PL wide initiative for each club, will replace the FP. Regardless of the name, the Wolves have great fan connection.
Hooligan-ism
In the 60’s & 70’s a group called "The Subway Army" would ambush fans in the subway adjacent to the ground. "Operation GROWTH" (or "Get Rid of Wolverhampton's Troublesome Hooligans") in the 80s led to arrests and the eventual break up the group.
Supporters You May Recognize
Robert Plant
Mike Tyson
Eric Idle
Song
Considered having the best Song list in the PL? You can see/listen to the Wolves FC official Spotify playlist here!
Game Day Pub Guide
15+ pubs w/in walking distance
Fan Sites
Official Twitter
@Wolves
High Follows on Twitter
@WolvesFC_latest (23k)
@TalkingWolves (42k)
@WolvesTalk (16k)
The Team
The Gaffer
Vitor Manuel de Oliveira Lopes Pereira (Portugal), 57yo
Came in with Wolves sitting on 9 points in 16 matches and helped keep Wolves up by earning 33 points over the next 22 matches.
Fans are fans of Pereira who has a big personality and style. After beating Spurs 4-2 at home Pereira was out celebrating with fans at the Moon Under Water Pub. (see Game Day Pub Guide above).
Has managed at 18 clubs in 25 years.
Vitor Pereira
ODDS
To Win League +90,000
To Be Relegated +222
Roster Notes
Full Roster click link
CS Projected to finish 15th
Joao Gomes
Emmanuel Agbadou
Jorgen Strand Larsen
Jhon Arias
David Moller Wolfe
Fernando Lopez
Goalkeeper
Jose Sa - Top 15 in PL.
Molineaux Stadium
