Wolves Unveil Unique Billboard Campaign

Last updated : 13 July 2002 By Steve Hermon

Wolves today unveiled a unique billboard campaign aimed at showing disgruntled fans they are determined to make up for last season's promotion failure.

The 40ft X 10ft billboard, situated at the junction of Stafford Street and Cannock Road, states '100% Commitment, 100% Effort, Determination' and is signed by the first team squad.

Despite this show of determination for the new season, Assistant Manager John Ward pointed out that it has always been there as he said: "There has been a lot of commitment on both sides and we would argue it is always there from our side."

Ward went on to say: "The fans have been magnificent this summer with the season ticket sales and commercial backing for executive boxes and such like.

"I think we're acknowledging that with this poster. But what we're also saying is that we're alive and kicking. Wolves haven't fallen apart; we're ready to have another go at this thing and we are full of positive thinking too."

Chief Executive Jez Moxey's comments may raise a few eyebrows with some fans though as he seems to have other ideas as to what the campaign may achieve.

Moxey said: "The club wanted something unusual and high profile to reflect publicly the feeling inside the camp; everyone's commitment here is stronger than ever for the new season ahead.

"It's a bit of fun but it also has a serious message. Our fans are showing us 100% support as usual; they have bought over 16,000 season tickets so far, the highest number since 1997.

"We wanted something visible to show how we feel and also kick-start an advertising campaign for the new home shirt which will have the theme of '100% Pure Wolves'. It is the first time the club has used billboard advertising and we hope the message is well received."

I would now like to pull a few things from Mr Moxey's quotes. Firstly yes, we do have a lot of season ticket holders for the new season, but this is probably due to the majority taking advantage of the early bird offer thinking we would be in the Premiership, but we failed.

Secondly, It seems that Moxey just wants to sell a lot of football shirts by sneaking in the comment about the campaign for the shirt. This has been done because a lot of people hate the new shirt, personally I don't mind it but if anyone else feels the same or doesn't like it, then e-mail me with your views at the address below.

Overall, I think it is just some PR Campaign to sell tickets, shirts and other merchandise. Why do they have to state their commitment for the new season to us using a massive billboard? They should always be committed and show 110% not just 100% and especially not just state it when they want to sell something.

The only way they can show '100% Commitment, 100% Effort and 100% Determination' is by showing it on the field, not on a billboard!

By doing this piece of publicity they are setting themselves up for a big fall and more embarrasment for the fans if they fail once again this season.

WHAT DO YOU OTHER FANS THINK OF THE BILLBOARD? E-MAIL YOUR VIEWS TO ME ON THE ADDRESS BELOW AND I WILL REPLY AND PERHAPS PUT SOME OF YOUR VIEWS ON THE WEBSITE.

steve_hermon@wolves-mad.co.uk