WOLVES are set to install a “safe standing” area at Molineux in a Premier League first.
Standing at top-flight and Championship grounds is illegal, but clubs can add seats with barriers to allow fans to stand – if they meet very strict criteria.
Wolves appear to be the first club to add the safe area as they aim to tackle persistent, unlawful standing from supporters.
Managing director Laurie Dalrymple had his say on the move, calling it a “very strong middle ground” between sitting and standing.
Dalrymple claimed: “This is not about safe standing. This is a very strong middle ground.
“I don’t believe the evidence supports a view that standing in football grounds is something that is inherently dangerous.
“But I am pleased this revision to the guidelines allows us to do something that permits the fans to be in the stadium and, should they wish to stand, are doing so in a safe environment.”
After it was banned in the late 1980s, fans in recent seasons have been calling for the introduction of safe standing.
And just last year, the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) confirmed it was opening up the possibility of “rail seats”.
Having the area fully seated, but also with barriers, allows the club to stick to the obligatory “all-seater” stadium.
But with the addition of a rail, it means fans can stand should they choose to, without breaching any safety laws.
On the move, Dalrymple added: “This is the perfect opportunity for us to meet all of the expectations of the safety guidelines and give our fans what they want.
“We have had persistent problems in [the Sir Jack Hayward stand] area of the ground from fans who wish to stand.
“We have made it clear on occasions in the past that if there was an opportunity to pilot a scheme we would want to be at the forefront.
“But this is not about safe standing and I have no doubt other football clubs will follow behind us.”
Meanwhile, an SGSA spokesperson told the BBC: “The focus of the SGSA is the safety and enjoyment of fans.
“Wolverhampton Wanderers are using the opportunity provided by their ongoing stadium improvements to tackle the safety risks associated with persistent standing by introducing seats incorporating barriers.
“We will be working with the club to ensure that the proposed seating arrangements meet the technical specifications within our guidance.
“The club will remain subject to the Government’s all-seater policy and we will continue to closely monitor the ground and particularly any new seats incorporating barriers to assess compliance with the licence condition.”
