Wolves chief Jeff Shi steps down as club fights for form

Wolves executive chairman Jeff Shi has stepped away from his role, ending nearly ten years at Molineux. The club sits bottom of the Premier League with only two points so far. Shi will remain chairman and chief executive of Fosun Sports Group but will not have day to day duties at Wolves.

Interim leadership will be provided by Nathan Shi, who is not related to Jeff, and has worked for the owners since 2016.

Shi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead, noting the club has grown into a global force and thanking the supporters for keeping Wolves in the spotlight. He wished the new management team every success in taking the club higher.

Nathan Shi added that he looks forward to working with all stakeholders to build a stronger future and to move Wolves forward together in belief, pride, ambition and unity.

Fans had grown frustrated with Shi's tenure, with critics arguing Fosun leadership had overseen a period of decline. The team sit 14 points from safety in a season that has brought significant pressure and protests at Molineux.

Wolves host Brentford on Saturday, aiming to end a troubling start and avoid matching the Premier League worst opening of a season with a winless run. A clash with the Bees could prevent matching Sheffield United's 2020-21 17 game winless start.

Since the 2018 promotion under Nuno Espirito Santo, Wolves enjoyed two top seven finishes and navigated European competition, reaching the Europa League quarter finals in 2020 and an FA Cup semi final in 2019.

In a recent interview with INLIBER WM, Shi and technical director Matt Jackson suggested the summer transfer window did not go as planned, noting the squad underwent significant changes compared with the previous season, which contributed to the current struggles. The league is unforgiving when a team fails to control tempo and rebuild at pace, Shi said.

Analysis: Fans welcome change but want a broader plan

The departure of Shi may calm some supporters who have long demanded a change in leadership. However, questions remain about whether the ownership group will widen the search for a new chief and pursue a broader strategic overhaul, rather than replacing a single Fosun executive.

As Wolves prepare to face Brentford, the atmosphere at Molineux could shift with the news, but fans remain eager for a fresh start and meaningful progress on the pitch.

Expert comment:

Expert comment: This move signals a needed reset for Wolves, but lasting improvement will depend on a clear, shared plan from ownership and the next management team. It is a critical moment to re-establish trust with supporters and set a sustainable path forward.

Summary: Jeff Shi's departure marks a significant turning point for Wolves, offering a chance to reset leadership amid a difficult start to the season. Interim leadership will guide the club as it navigates a crowded Premier League schedule and ownership expectations. Fans hope the change translates into a clearer strategy, stronger recruitment, and a return to the club's former higher standards.

Key insight: A leadership change can provide a much needed reset for a struggling club, but real progress requires a clear long term plan from ownership. BBC Sport

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