Wolves eager to hunt if they get
NEW CHINESE OWNERS RAISING HOPES
THE takeover of Wolverhampton Wanderers by a mega-rich Chinese conglomerate could mean exciting times ahead for the club’s women’s team, as well as Molineux’s EFL Championship side.
Jeff Shi, investment director of new owners the Fosun Group, whose chairman, Guo Guangchang, is worth more than £4billion, says that funding may be available for the Women’s Premier League Midlands Division One side.
“There is no reason why we should not have some investment in the women’s team, to bring benefit to us (as a club),” said Shi.
“I like women’s football,” he added. “I have two daughters and I want both of them to play the game.
“In China, women’s football is better than men’s. In England, the (women’s football) market is here and it is increasing, so it will be interesting.”
Shi’s encouraging words have been welcomed by women’s team chairman and BBC WM presenter Jenny Wilkes.
“I’ve not met him (Shi) yet,” said Wilkes, “but what he said has made us feel very positive.
“We are an amateur team at the moment. In fact, the girls have to pay to play, and we have to work within our financial conchances straints. The men’s club give us good support through the Community Trust and, after being granted an RTC (Regional Talent Club) licence by the FA this year, we are in a great position to develop young players.
“But to get the sort of financial backing that clubs in the Women’s Super League get would be fabulous and hopefully help get us to the top level.”
Relative
Wolves were in the top flight of the old Women’s Premier League two decades ago.
For three seasons after the turn of the century, they were managed by former Aston Villa captain Denis Mortimer. Now, though, they are playing in the fourth tier of the pyramid and current boss Steve Cullis, a distant relative of Wolves’ greatest ever manager Stan Cullis, would love to have the backing enjoyed by leading WSL clubs.
“Financial support will be key if we are to eventually compete with the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal,” said Cullis.
“We want to make Wolves the best side in the Midlands and, ultimately, in the country, and investment in our team would obviously help achieve that aim.
“But that has to be a long term plan and we have to be realistic.
“We finished runners-up in our league last season and just missed out on promotion, so our focus right now is going into the new season aiming to finish top this time.”
Captain and assistant playermanager Anna Perks, who joined Wolves as a nine-year-old 21 years ago, is just as enthusiastic as her team boss and chairman at the prospect of significant new funding for the women’s team.
“It would have a massive impact,” said PE teacher Perks.
“Hopefully, the backing of the new owners will help the men’s team reach the Premier League, and it would be great if our side of the club got some support, too.
“That would boost our
Addition
Wolves must achieve two promotions to reach the WSL and a further one to make a longawaited return to the top flight. of attracting better players to strengthen the squad and help put us on our way to getting the promotions we need to reach the Super League.”