Trust applies for Supporter representation on the MSSAG

Wolves 1877 Trust has continued its work, on behalf of all Wolves supporters, to secure meaningful supporter representation on the Molineux Stadium Safety Advisory Group (MSSAG).

The Trust’s position is rooted in the recommendations arising from the Hillsborough disaster and the Football Supporters’ Association’s ongoing campaign for appropriate supporter representation on local Safety Advisory Groups. The Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) guidance also recognises the value of considering supporter involvement in SAG structures.

There is no longer any doubt that meetings discussing supporter safety should include those supporters.

In response to our request, Wolverhampton Wanderers acknowledged the relevance of both the SGSA guidance and the Hillsborough recommendations. However, the club’s current position is that supporter views are already represented through existing engagement structures, with relevant matters being taken to MSSAG by club officers.

The club also pointed out that formal membership, or attendance, at MSSAG is ultimately a matter for Wolverhampton City Council as the certifying authority and chair of the group.

We have subsequently written to the council requesting inclusion.

We are not seeking unrestricted access to confidential discussions involving policing, intelligence, counter-terrorism, security or other sensitive matters. We fully recognise that appropriate exclusions and safeguards would be necessary.

Our concern is that there should be a mechanism for direct and meaningful supporter representation, rather than ‘supporter views’ being filtered through the football club.

While we recognise the role the club has in the operation and safety of Molineux, we do not believe that representation by club officers can be regarded as the same as the direct representation of supporter views.

There is also a legitimate concern that the club may encounter a potential conflict of interest when representing the views of supporters within the MSSAG, particularly where safety-related decisions may have operational or commercial implications for the club.

We have therefore asked the council whether they consider the current arrangement, whereby supporters are represented through Wolverhampton Wanderers FC officers, to constitute sufficient supporter representation on the MSSAG.  

The Trust believes this is important because supporters are the people who use the stadium and are directly affected by the safety arrangements put in place for matchdays.

We welcome the constructive dialogue that has taken place with the club and remain keen to work towards an appropriate model. We have made clear that we would welcome further discussions with Wolves and, if appropriate, jointly with Wolverhampton City Council as the certifying authority and chair of MSSAG.

The Trust will continue to pursue this issue constructively. Our objective is not to undermine the work of the MSSAG, but to ensure that the voice and experience of supporters is appropriately recognised within a process whose purpose is ultimately to protect their safety.