It's a grim view from the away section and I don't just mean what is happening on the pitch, perhaps the worst away section in the Premier League

Since my first visit to Molineux 40 years ago the ground has been completely rebuilt and not one stand remains from that evening in January 1979.

The first rebuilding started shortly after my first visit and that was followed in 1993 when two other stands were demolished and rebuilt, the final piece in the jigsaw being added in 2012 and a second tier also added to bring the capacity up to 31,700, although this has yet to be quite reached yet.

The Away Section

Saints have taken and sold out virtuallythe full allocation of 3,000, this is in the lower tier of the Steve Bull Stand and is perhaps the worst view in the stadium, being a pitch level shallow seating deck that sits a fair distance back from the pitch.

It is without a doubt the worst view in the Premier League and due to it being a away section spanning the whole length of the pitch it is difficult to get any sort of atmosphere and support going for the team, probably something Wolves thought about when they positioned away fans here.

The facilities below are spacious and have the usual fare now available at modern football stadium including TV screens and a good number of toilet facilities.

The catering is better than most, serving a range of pies including; Steak, Rogan Josh, Potato & Meat, Vegetable, Cheese & Onion (all £3.10), Cornish Pasty (£3.10), Sausage Rolls (£3.10) Hot Dogs (£3.60), Burgers (£3.60) and Chips (£2.50) .

Alcohol is available inside the stadium this includes Carling (Pint £4), Banks's Bitter (Can 440ml £3.60), Aston Manor Cider (Bottle 500ml £4), Guinness (Can 520ml £4.20), plus wine and spirits (£4.10).

It is not advisable to wear colours too prominently after the game, Wolves have an element who are not too fussy who they hit and are infamous for ambushing away supporters in the subways behind the ground.

Last season the police finally seemed to have got their act together and ushered the bulk of away fans up a segregated road after the game that took them straight to the coaches and then on to the train station.

Pubs For Away Fans

Wolves has a certain reputation in football fan circles and it is certainly one of the least friendly places for visiting supporters, none of the pubs around the ground admit away fans and even the city centre 10 minutes away sees most pubs demanding proof you are a home fan.

There is a small bar called the Bluebrick inside the Premier Inn hotel, located near to the railway station, which is being used frequently by away fans. It does though charge a £2 entrance fee. If arriving by train then as you leave the station entrance, turn right and you will see a walkway going down under the station. At the bottom of the walkway turn left and after a short walk you will see the Bluebrick over on your right.

Getting There

By Car

Leave the M6 at Junction 10 and take the A454 towards Wolverhampton. Continue to follow the A454 right into Wolverhampton (be wary of speed cameras on the A454). On reaching the traffic island that intersects with the ring road, turn right. As you approach the 2nd set of lights look for the signs for football parking. The ground is over the second set of lights on the right. Alternatively, if you turn left into the city centre you may find a space in one of the many council run 'pay & display' car parks (see Car Parking below).

Parking

Just off the ring road near Molineux is the Civic Hall car park, it costs £4 for three hours or £5.50 for four hours or £2 for evenings (entering the car park after 5pm). Although the city centre car parks are handy, the area is busy with shoppers so you may get stuck in long queues to get into one. It's recommend parking in the car parks that you see further away from Molineux and taking the 10/15 minute walk; it also means you are back on the motorway quicker after the game.

By Train

Wolverhampton Railway Station is around a 15 minute walk away from Molineux. From the main station entrance proceed straight on towards the city centre and as you reach the inner ring road turn right. Just follow the ring road as it continues in a circular pattern around to the left. Eventually you will see the Molineux on the right.

Capacity: 31,700 (all seated)
Address: Waterloo Rd, Wolverhampton, WV1 4QR
Telephone: 0371 222 2220
Fax: 01902 687 006
Ticket Office: 0371 222 1877
Pitch Size: 116 x 74 yards
Pitch Type: Grass
Club Nickname: Wolves
Year Ground Opened: 1889
Undersoil Heating: Yes
Shirt Sponsors: ManBetX
Kit Manufacturer: Adidas
Home Kit: Gold and Black

Photo: Action Images

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