We followed the back roads towards our final destination - Wolverhampton. It had all gone so well so far, I had this foreboding feeling that we might not be allowed onto the pitch or the shop would be closed or something. While the back roads rolled along and we followed signs for city centre and asked a workman while sitting in a red light. He kindly told us to just carry on. We saw tram lines and suddenly a tram scuttled by. The boys really wanted to get out of the car.
As we came to a particularly tricky roundabout, we decided to just turn off, stop for a bite to eat and ask for more directions.We saw a Sainsburys and decided to get some sandwiches that we could eat outside. While we were eating we asked for directions which were very simple. The last few minutes of driving are one of the best parts travelling to the stadium, as the excitement builds. Pulling into the stadium we parked easily [it didn't cost] and were very exited to see the home of the Wolves;I tried to ignore my worrying feeling and just soak in the atmosphere. I have always like the Wolves, partly because I had heard that teenage years without Led Zepplin.
When we got out of the car we went straight to a statue of Billy Wright, an old player, took some photos and then we went to the wolves shop. It was very big and it was quite busy. We especially liked their new away kit. After examining all of the merchandise, we asked a passing employee if he thought we might be allowed in to see the stands. He mentioned the name of a volunteer for the club that acts a tour guide for the club. We walked around the the reception and asked for him. This tip from the man outside really was perfect as the elderly man was a wonderful host for us.
He took us everywhere and showed us amazing kindness the generosity with his time. We did make one mistake of saying we liked Wolves partly because their colours included orange, and I like orange. He gasped and said, "IT'S GOLD!!" Oops, we really should have known better. Apprently it represents the city council's motto "ut of darkness cometh light" with the gold and black representing light and darkness. He soon forgave us, I think. The trophies and other silverware on display shows that they are a team with a long history. The family were important merchants in the city and the team used their grounds but were soon able to buy the lease. We learned that Molineux and the Wolves were one of the first grounds with floodlights, have been among the first to feature in televised football matches and have hosted England International and European Cup matches. Our guide suggested we visit Molineux House next but I knew the boys had had enough so I nodded and smiled.
Highlights of our experience were a visit to the kit room and a chat with the kit manager who was busy ironing and sorting the shirts. Another unique item that we got to see was a solid wooden box that the team use as a talisman. They must tap the box with their boots on their way out of the changing room for good luck. The stadium was gorgeous and our visit spectacular. Wow, the welcome that we had in the Black Country was amazing, one we will not forget.
