Hibby Thrilled By Wolves’ Broadening Appeal

Kenny Hibbitt has used one of Molineux’s newer amenities to add to the positive messages Wolves’ current players are sending across the globe.

The record-breaking midfielder was at this week’s stunning victory over Arsenal, not only helping give a group of fans a pre-match guided tour of the stadium but also making an appearance among users of the flourishing Worldwide Lounge in the Steve Bull Stand.

His address oozed pride and optimism in the club he served with such distinction for a decade and a half – and he clearly feels nights like Wednesday are only the start.

He spoke nostalgically about the memorable snowy November afternoon in 1971 on which Wolves hit back from a half-time deficit to blitz the Gunners – then the League champions and FA Cup holders – by the crushing margin of 5-1.

Those present two nights ago could well have witnessed a similar scoreline and the side’s performance in a first Wolves victory over the North London giants in 40 years further convinced Kenny that even more special times lie ahead at Molineux.

As he spoke, Hibbitt was surrounded by some stirring framed photos showing Wolves supporters based in Australia, America, Iceland and many points in between.

The lounge was opened at the start of the season to give members of overseas supporters’ groups a place to meet and mix before games, the regular programme articles since and the frequent LED advertising during games confirming that a lot of ‘pins’ have had to be found for the giant map on one of the room’s walls.

We were especially delighted on Wednesday to make the acquaintance of Karl Wheeler and his bride-to-be Alicia, who live six hours north-east of Sydney towards Brisbane, and are in Britain until July.

Karl’s accent is a strange cross between West Midlands and New South Wales – no wonder as he has lived Down Under for ten years but is originally from Coseley.

Which explains why he was able to converse happily with Black Country boy Mel Eves – the scorer of the winning goal last time Wolves had beaten Arsenal at Molineux – during the forward’s appearance in the room at last weekend’s game against Brighton.

With the permission of Alan Perrins, who is coordinator of the facility on behalf of the club, we hope to return to the Worldwide Lounge very soon – if there is room!

The BBC cameras were present in there at one of the recent victories over Manchester United and we will soon be bringing you news of the meetings this site’s co-owner, John Richards, has with two overseas supporter factions before the end of the season.

David Instone’s 2015 book ‘Wolves All Over The World’ (shown left) might well appeal to those far-flung supporters who haven’t seen it, packed as it is with exclusive photos and stories from the club’s travels across the globe.