A couple of years ago on our visit to Molyneaux I started the Rough Guide by saying It's going to be a grim view from the away section and I don't just mean what is happening on the pitch, funny how little has changed.
For the away supporter Wolverhampton Wanderers is perhaps the worst trip of the season for not only does it have the worst away section in the Premier League, perhaps even the Football League, with a low rake terrace along one side of the ground, but in the vicinity of the ground, few pubs let in away supporters and the home crowd have a reputation for being a little aggressive towards the visiting support.
My first visit to Molineux almost 46 years ago, a cold Wednesday evening in January 1979, I can't imagine that many reading this or indeed who travel up to the Black Country on Saturday where at that game, to be truthful not many Saints supporters at all where there either. The season was being interrupted by cold weather and many games were being frozen off and being re arranged.
Since then 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.
The Away Section
The away section is in the lower tier of the Steve Bull Stand and is unarguably 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 away section 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 , Cornish Pasty, Sausage Rolls Hot Dogs , Burgers and Chips .
Alcohol is available inside the stadium this includes Carling , Banks's Bitter, Aston Manor Cider , Guinness, plus wine and spirits. It should be noted that some of these as in cans.
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.
However in recent years the police finally seemed to have got their act together and have 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
Wolverhampton 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 used a small bar called the Bluebrick inside the Premier Inn hotel, located near to the railway station, however it seems that this might have now closed, so if you want to drink in Wolverhampton itself, your best bet is part of the City Centre furthest away from Molyneaux itself, pubs mentioned as perhaps letting in away supporters include
The George Wallis – 11-15 Victoria St, Mander Centre, Wolverhampton WV1 3NP
Hogshead – 186 Stafford St, Wolverhampton WV1 1NA
The Lych Gate Tavern – 44 Queen Square, Wolverhampton WV1 1TX
For those going by train it's just as easy to stop off in Birmingham and have a drink in one of the many pubs near New Street Station, there are trains literally every 5 mins to Wolverhampton and it is possible to get a train around 2.15-25 pm and with a 15 minute train journey be in Wolverhampton by about 2.40pm for a 15 minute walk to the ground.
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,. 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