On getting fans back safely
“It was great to have our fans back in large numbers after so long, to hear the crowd singing and supporting the lads again was fantastic. Overall, for the first game back, there weren’t too many issues.”
On the planning beforehand
“It was all part and parcel of the step four part of the roadmap which the government announced. So, we knew that come the start of the season we’d be able to operate at a full capacity. We then had to implement the government guidance and Premier League protocols that were issued and formulate our own operation plan to suit it all.
“That included the things which went out to fans like the Code of Conduct, the fact we’ve kept hand sanitisers and adapted the searches, so they’re not hands-on. There is also additional signage around the stadium to help inform supporters.”
On a huge staff effort
“They were all brilliant because it was a monumental task to prepare for a full operation after 18 months. We’d had a bit of a practice with 17,000 against Celta Vigo, but it was a massive effort from everybody concerned to get to a position to welcome back a full stadium.
“It was great to see all the stewards and matchday staff back for the first time and we’re grateful that the vast majority have come back, after being away for so long.”
There were 30,368 of you inside Molineux this afternoon with 2,845 travelling @SpursOfficial supporters.
— Wolves (@Wolves) August 22, 2021
It was amazing to have you back 💛 pic.twitter.com/eQUsgcQodq
On the Celta Vigo practice
“It was crucial. These lower-profile games are essential so everyone can get back into the rhythm of the matchday. Typically, after a normal close season, 12 weeks away, when you come back, you’re a bit out of practice.
“We’d had the limited return of 4,500 fans for the Man United game at the end of May, but to move up to 16,000 against Celta Vigo was a really good test for us. I wouldn’t have wanted to go straight into 30,000 after 18 months.”
On the fans’ behaviour
“We had some issues with the entry process, a combination of technical hiccups and supporters with wrong cards or cards that had stopped working, and in some areas this led to frustrated supporters that the stewards did their best to assist.
“That aside, the vast majority came in, watched the game and went home safely. Regardless of the result, there was a great atmosphere, and everyone seemed delighted to be back at last. We’re very grateful to all supporters who showed patience and conducted themselves safely.”
On changes moving forward
“The only thing different for Man United was, after we did a survey against Tottenham, that we going to be doing spot checks on Covid status, asking people to verify their status and scanning Covid passports.
“That’s part of the process we’re going through with the Premier League, to make us ready for potentially mandatory Covid checks from 1st October onwards. We’re not going to be denying entry to people, it’s literally a spot check and a bit of education. If you haven’t got it, we’ll ask that you bring it to the next game.”
On behind the scenes at Molineux
“The Premier League protocols continue to influence player areas. For the protection of the players, we’ve had to maintain internal social distancing, so for both home and away teams, the dressing room areas have had to be adjusted and expanded within the players’ area.
“The players’ lounge, for example, is now part of the away dressing room, so we can allow proper social distancing. The teams have to arrive on two coaches for social distancing, so that adds a bit of a complication with getting them in.
“Our players are split between the home dressing room and the warm-up room in the back, and we’ve even got an overflow in the indoor interview space – it’s all spread out. All that is classed as the red zone.”
On the red zone
“The players and coaching staff still have to produce a clinical passport on entry, which needs to be scanned – anyone going into the players’ areas has to scan. Anyone going into those areas is getting tested twice a week and at Compton it’s the same, following Premier League protocol.”
On the dugout changes
“To minimise the impact on supporter areas, we’ve had to adjust where the staff sit, so we’ve got additional seating either side of the dugouts. We’ve had to increase the number of seats in the dugout from 14 to 16, but that’s more to do with the fact we can have nine substitutes now, as opposed to seven.”
…
Supporter questionnaire results, 22nd August
- Are you aware that there will be checks on individuals’ Covid status at Premier League grounds? | 91% yes
- Do you know what options are available to bring with you as proof of your Covid status? | 89% yes
- Do you have your Covid pass or proof of a negative Covid test with you today? | 75% yes
- Would you feel comfortable sharing your Covid status at a future match? | 93% yes
- Are you aware of the club’s Covid Code of Conduct? | 81% yes
