The Premier League season gets underway on Saturday as Wolves host Manchester City in a match that’s got fans, well, actually a bit concerned.
It’s been a mundane summer for Wolves fans.
Departures have overshadowed promising new signings, there hasn’t been a single Wolves win to cheer for this pre-season, and the general sentiment from Wolves fans toward Fosun and Jeff Shi has been frosty.
The season kicks off in a few days, and some pundits haven’t got high hopes for Wolves. Even amongst fans, there is some nervousness about the lack of intent shown by the club as the squad shrinks.
Wolves goalkeepers Jose Sa, Tom King, Dan Bentley and Sam Johnstone during pre-season training in Portugal.
Photo by Wolverhampton Wanderers FC/Wolves via Getty Images
Facing a top three team in the first game of the season is an unattractive prospect. Last season it was away at Arsenal. This time around, it’s Man City at Molineux. Another thing the two opening fixtures have in common is the referee.
Jarred Gillett will officiate Wolves vs Man City
An unpopular choice amongst Wolves fans, Jarred Gillett has, for the second season running, been assigned to Wolves’ first game of the campaign.
Last season, the news of Jarred Gillett’s appointment angered fans, due to a 2023 incident against Southampton, where he sent Mario Lemina off before the half-hour mark for running at him aggressively.
Now out of favour, Gillett’s appointment produced reactions ranging from annoyed to conspiratorial, with one fan suggesting it was payback for Wolves’ push for removal of VAR.
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Wolves have a fairly favourable record under Gillett with three wins, one draw and two losses, but the appointment will nonetheless stir up old emotions in some already stressed supporters.
Wolves all quiet on the transfer front ahead of Man City game
It might help for Wolves fans to be speculating on whether a deal that’s close can be finalised before the weekend’s fixture, but it’s radio silence on that front.
Instead, the mood around Molineux is anxious. It doesn’t help to see things like Erling Haaland’s stellar opening day record, or Wolves’ not-so-good August record, so apologies for that.
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City - Premier League
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
But it’s clear to everyone that not enough has been done so far this window, and frustration is building.
Wolves might not be expecting a win in this Man City game, but the performance needs to be there. The intensity needs to be there. Wolves fans want to believe the pre-season results aren’t an indicator of the season that’s in store.