17 Sep 2025 15:11:26
I don't know if the Ed will permit this long message, but I've received this report about the recent meeting between Jeff and the London Wolves Supporters Club:

A meeting with Wolves Chairman Jeff Shi
Date: Tuesday 9th September 2025.

London Wolves are proud to announce an informal meeting took place with the Chairman of Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, Jeff Shi, at The Parcel Yard, Kings Cross, London on Tuesday 9th September 2025. Jeff was accompanied by Max Fitzgerald [Head of Media] at Wolves FC.
The meeting was called at short notice on Jeff's request to meet some of the London Wolves members to discuss and get their views on how they feel the club is progressing. Unfortunately, on the day there was an underground tube strike which made it difficult for some members to attend, also the short notice discounted some members attending due to prior commitments. Nevertheless 10 members attended, some of whom had walked miles to attend and others had been stuck in traffic for hours.
The meeting was conducted in a very casual, open, and friendly manner with no question 'off the table.' Jeff, for his part, responded equally openly and honestly.

It was refreshing to meet and be with someone who clearly wanted to be with Wolves Supporters and wanting to know in detail how London Wolves was formed, how long it had been operating, and what were the first games we attended as individuals.
The subjects covered ranged from the latest transfer window, present and previous managers of the club, as well as what Jeff really thought about the song about him from the terraces.

The first topic related to the latest transfer window and Jeff explained that Matheus Cunha was always destined to leave the club if the release clause figure was activated in his contract. Ryan Ait Nouri was slightly different and Wolves could have kept him, although Ryan had made it perfectly clear that he would not sign another contract or extension with the club. With only two years left on his contract it was appropriate that if another club came in for him at the right price Wolves would not stand in the players way. Nelson Semedo was offered a new four-year contract which sat on the table until he made his final decision to move to new challenges and pastures green. Fabio Silva was another topic and Jeff felt his young age had an impact on his lack of success at the club.

Regarding recruitment, there are no PSR [Premier League Profit and Sustainability Regulations] worries at the club and therefore this did not have any impact on decision making when considering transfers. Equally, there was no policy of 'sell before we buy' in place, which gave the recruitment team a clear field to operate in. Of course, Wolves wanted to bring new players in as early as possible to give Vitor the longest time to work with the player and that the players to be able to settle down at their new club. This was not always possible due to the market and the reluctance of other teams to let their best players go, equally, the end of the window was also challenging as clubs were reluctant to let players go so close to the closure of the window which did not give them time to replace them.

Vitor had supplied a list a players he had identified for the team in the various positions [2 to 3 for each of the positions]. No player that was not on Vitor's list was recruited, the manager must always make these decisions and it is the Board and Owners job to support him, as confirmed by Jeff.
Jeff was asked about the 90% comment on recruitment being made and what it really meant. Reverting to the previous discussion on recruitment, he felt 90% had been achieved getting the right players in to support Vitor. He went on to say that the player had to be of a certain calibre to fit in at Wolves, not only as a player, but a person. The manager was very clear about that during his dealings and selection of potential players. Jeff acknowledged the squad was still a little bit light in some areas, but it was never about 'just bodies through the door.'

Jørgen Strand Larsen and the Newcastle United bids were next on the list. Jeff stated he had a meeting with Jørgen and told him he would not be sold. From the conversations between them it was clear Jørgen was not going to cause any problems and wanted to continue at the club, if that was the decision. In Jeff's words 'he is a good honest boy, ' which is really pleasing to hear.

Both Vitor and Jørgen have been offered new contracts and all parties are relaxed about them and these will be signed without any problems, which is a major plus for the club. Jeff is confident, like Vitor, that within 10 games the Team will gel together and climb the table.
The next topic concerned present and past managers. Jeff immediately stated he had made a number of mistakes regarding the appointment of managers for various reasons. We all agreed that we now have a very good capable manager who communicates very well and is very loyal to the club.
An interesting comment was made regarding the proposed plan [project]and if it was, working especially if Wolves find themselves at the wrong end of the table at Christmas time. Jeff reassured those present that Fosun would finance any additional players needed to ensure Premier League survival although that is only a back stop if things do not go to plan.

The main focus is to move the club and establish themselves further up the league. They want to align with clubs like Fulham and Crystal Palace rather than fighting off relegation.
Now back to the song - when asked, a wry smile came over Jeff's face and of course he has no power to orchestrate the songs from the terraces and recognises the frustration some supporters have. That is not to say Jeff does not feel the same or is dismissive about it.
One of the final questions to be put to Jeff was, 'how would you like Fosun to be viewed in the history of time regarding ownership of the club.' the answer was clear that they had facilitated the return of the good times back to the club.
The meeting lasted two hours but what did we really learn about the man who is Chairman of the football club?

This is my own personal take on this: Jeff is a most approachable, friendly person who clearly is dedicated and wants to do his best. He was honest and open when asked any questions. He was not evasive in anyway, and did not used political speak to try and deflect the question. He was honest about the mistakes he has made [after all, we all make mistakes and are only human]. He gave us all a great insight into the workings of the club behind the scenes, and at no time was he disrespectful or tried to blame anyone for any failings of the past, he took those broadly on his shoulders.
He wants to connect with supporters: he understands the challenges and also the restrictions of our club when competing with the top six. He understands players and managers aspirations and when it is the right time for a player and the club to part company. Also, the need to support the manager and ensure good communications and working relationships.

Walking away from the meeting back to the train, I felt I was very fortunate and privileged to be part of the meeting and given the opportunity to meet the man who is looking after our club, and long may it continue.

Hope this helps and if I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards

John

John Webb
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1.) 17 Sep 2025
17 Sep 2025 16:14:05
Fair enough Jeff.

2.) 17 Sep 2025
17 Sep 2025 16:33:51
No questions about the future development of the stadium mentioned?

3.) 17 Sep 2025
17 Sep 2025 18:49:23
That's an interesting post but to sum it up I am afraid Shi has come out with usual ambiguous and self defensive clap trap.
Wants to align Wolves with Palace and Fulham-so says the man who wanted Champions league football-and a club who were ahead of those other two until he and Fosun pulled the plug.
The argument about Silva being too young is laughable-the Premier league has been littered with young players who have gone onto achieve great things-he isn't good enough and he was Shi's reponsibility

4.) 17 Sep 2025
17 Sep 2025 19:08:08
No explanation as to why players were turning us down in the window and moving to clubs Jeff aspires to.
Fear play for him meeting the group and being as candid as he was, although it seems it was fairly 'tame' in some respects.
OK he admits mistakes, I'd like to know what he's learnt from them.
Still, he had the guts to meet and seems an approachable sort and gives some sort of assurance of financial backing in January, but we may not be able to buy safety this time.
My big question would have been what would/will Fosun do if we were/are relegated.

5.) 17 Sep 2025
17 Sep 2025 20:40:43
Questions answered, honestly maybe, but so many not even asked.

6.) 17 Sep 2025
17 Sep 2025 21:35:58
Longest txt in the world goes to.?.only things aren't going to plan.are they?.or are we just lollingbthe rest of the prem along and suddenly turn into world beaters.?.putting all our hope on jsl just puts more pressure on the guy.tough ssn ahead.see what happens this wkend n think again then?

7.) 18 Sep 2025
18 Sep 2025 06:46:32
Intriguing article Deep.
Just surprised it doesn't appear on the London Wolves Supporters website?
Also who is John Webb, again seems to have no formal link to the LWS
organisation?
Also odd that Shi and Max F. came down to London to meet in such an unstructured way with so few fans. I say that appreciating the point about transport difficulties. Maybe a rearranged session would have been more appropriate?
Just sees an oddly structured piece.

8.) 18 Sep 2025
18 Sep 2025 08:20:30
Great feedback Deep, as fans we tend to get caught up in all he media hype and the so called supporters platforms feeding the frenzy.
Time to move on and get behind the club and owners for the season ahead.

9.) 18 Sep 2025
18 Sep 2025 10:25:38
Thanks for sharing. Interesting but a lot of things unsaid. Be good if he does it again we could prepare some questions in advance. For someone to ask on our behalf.