Wolves may bring standing back to Molineux

Wolves are planning to send a group of fans to Scotland to see first-hand changes being made at Celtic's Parkhead stadium, where so-called 'rail seats' are set to be brought in next season.

They allow fans to stand in rows, but are not a return to old-fashioned open terraces.

Legislation currently doesn't allow for any standing in the top two divisions in English football, but there are growing calls for this to change and if Celtic's model is successful it could pave the way for safe standing in England.

Wolves, who have talked about the possibility in the past, hope to be at the forefront of this, along with others clubs including Aston Villa and Bristol City.

In its heyday, the South Bank at Molineux held tens of thousands of fans. And Charles Ross, editor of the A Load of Bull Wolves fanzine, said he and many others would 'unequivocally' be in favour of a return to standing.

"Freedom of choice is essential – some people prefer to stand, it provides a far better atmosphere and it would be more affordable to attend than it is now," he said.

"It's a nonsense for anyone in the 21st century to argue there cannot be safe standing, you only have to look at German football. It would be a dramatic improvement in the atmosphere at games."

Fellow Wolves fan and Express & Star columnist John Lalley said the move would be a 'gimmick'. "I've always preferred standing but I think you've got to move on," he said. "I'd be worried more about the team at the moment."

Celtic's model, used successfully on a wide scale in Germany, would initially accommodate 2,600 supporters. Rail seats are in rows with barriers to prevent crushing.

Dudley North MP Ian Austin, an Aston Villa season ticket holder, backed the move.

He said: "Fan safety has to be the top priority, but the current rules were drawn up in a different era to solve that era's problems.

"Not everyone wants to stand, but many people do and that's why Wolves are looking at it now. Everyone stands up when the ball gets in the box now anyway."

Aston Villa last year said almost half the clubs in the Premier League were interested in reintroducing standing, while the Football League has lobbied the Government on introducing the change. However, there is strong resistance from some, particularly Hillsborough campaign groups.