Wolves Chairman Rallies Fans

Wolves Chairman Rick Hayward has issued a rallying call to all fans tonight to get behind the team, and spur them on to success.

Rick has been silent of late, but that does not infer apathy on his part. As he pointed out to the clubs official site

'I don't like to criticise the players or the manager but we are frustrated and disappointed with how we are doing at the moment. But I still believe we can do it. I am upbeat because I know we can get it right but if we keep getting these results it's going to be more and more difficult.'

'But I still have every faith in the manager and the players. We have got to stick together, back the team and cheer them on. This is a time when the players need cheering more than ever'

And boy do they need it. There is a symbiotic relationship between fans and players, that is currently showing its darker side. Something Rick appreciates is born from frustration. But he believes now is not the time for dissention as the campaign enters its crucial phase. He also confesses he is as much at a loss to explain this seasons form as anyone.

'The fans are annoyed, and perhaps quite rightly, but we have got to stick together and hope there is a turnaround and hope the team clicks. On paper we have a great squad. We know what we can do but I don't know why we can't get three points. We do win games and play well at times, but it's a frustrating that we can't do it consistently'

Rick has come in for more than a little criticism since taking over the reigns from his father, Sir Jack Hayward. Some of it unjust. Everything that was asked of him, he has delivered, something that sometimes gets overlooked.

'We have backed Glenn (Hoddle) all the way along and now I'm hoping that things will turn round for us before it's too late. I'm not passing the buck but I don't know what more I can do. We've spent more money than almost everyone else in the division.' he points out.

Frustration is a word that you hear in and around Molineux a lot these days, and the Chairman is not immune. He also feels what is happening on the terraces, and certainly realises that ultimately the buck stops with him.

'I'm sure the fans, who have paid a lot of money and want results, are as frustrated as I am. I want to apologise to all our supporters - I am right behind them.'

There are still 14 games, and 42 points to be gathered, but Wolves destiny slipped out of their own control some time ago.

'It's not too late to get into the play-offs but we're relying on other people to slip up.' said Rick.

Any more slip ups from Wolves, and Mr Hayward may be forced into issuing statements of a different kind.

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