Nael Khan has said that the opportunity for Mumbai Wolves to watch and meet the club’s under-19s players and staff is something he will “cherish” forever.
With James Collins’ side competing in the Premier League’s Next Generation Cup in India, it has been the perfect moment to interact with and help grow the Mumbai supporters club. Khan, who is the chairman of Mumbai Wolves, is attending every Old Gold fixture in the competition and, along with his fellow members, has driven the team on from the stands.
A special screening of Saturday’s first-team fixture against Everton was held on the weekend, which gave the under-19s the chance to watch the game with the supporters, thank them for their backing and hand out a selection of gifts. Khan has spoken about the formation of Mumbai Wolves, his desire to visit Molineux and plans to ensure the Wolves brand is represented right across the country of India.
On how Mumbai Wolves formed
“Mumbai Wolves started with an idea of doing something for the teams wanting to go big. It was 2017/18 when Wolves had just been promoted and they played so well, finishing seventh in the Premier League in the first season back.
“It was a great opportunity to see an underdog team coming up and we really just fell in love with it. As soon as you start watching the games and watching the team play, we thought “why not just have an official supporters club”.
“We started it and it’s going pretty well now. We have over 200 members in Mumbai itself and it’s a great when the Premier League and other teams support us.
“It’s a great opportunity for people who like football but don’t support a team to actually come in, support a team and enjoy the matches.”
On the iconic Wolves crest attracting attention
“The Wolves badge is something very iconic. In the last Premier League visit we had Wolfie come and he, alongside the Wolves badge, got a lot of recognition.
“Everyone was asking where they can more shirts and merchandise, so it’s great for us to have that.
“The only way is to order online, but people still do it and everywhere you go the Wolves logo is becoming a big deal – as big as the big six teams in Mumbai.”
Spending time with our incredible supporters from Mumbai Wolves.
— Wolves Academy (@WolvesAcademy) May 21, 2023
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On spreading across India
“We’re encouraging other cities – we have Punjab Wolves, Delhi Wolves, Bangaluru Wolves, Kolkata Wolves and we’re spreading all around the country.
“We’re forming a fan club because you need at least 15/20 members to form a fan club. As soon as we get that number we’re helping them make their fan club and grow together.
“We’re spreading all across India – east, west, north, south. It’s a pretty great thing for us.”
On coming to Wolverhampton in the near future
“Unfortunately I haven’t been to Wolverhampton, but next season I’m definitely going to go for a game.
“I don’t know which game but I’m definitely going for one!”
On the performances of the under-19s
“I feel like the team is definitely reaching the final because they’re dominating the games. Wolves, West Ham and Everton were the big names and Wolves beat Everton, so I’m sure we’re going to reach the final.
“I’m very confident that we can get to that match, win the tournament and take it home.”
On joining the under-19s for a live screening
“It was extremely great to interact with the players as well as get the signed jersey from the under-19 team.
“I hold that very dear to me. The first-team jersey I have is out of this world, but I saw the under-19 team play so well and I’m really happy to have a jersey signed by them.
“I will always remember them and cherish this screening that we had with them. It’s a very big deal for us honestly speaking.
“Watching the game with them and watching them play in front of us is a very big deal for us, so I’m very happy that we got this opportunity.”
