Wolverhampton Wanderers’ technical director Matt Jackson has openly acknowledged that the club’s summer transfer window “went wrong”, while executive chairman Jeff Shi says he fully understands the anger and frustration currently being shown by supporters.

Wolves are enduring a disastrous start to the Premier League season. Rob Edwards’ side sit bottom of the table with just two points, have gone eight league games without a victory, and are yet to win a Premier League match since April. Their eight-game losing streak has now equalled a long-standing club record set back in the 1981-82 season — deepening concerns on and off the pitch.

A Summer of Change That Backfired

Wolves sold several major players in the summer, including Matheus Cunha and Rayan Aït-Nouri, who moved to Manchester United and Manchester City respectively for a combined £92.5m. Captain Nelson Semedo also departed on a free transfer.

In response, Wolves signed six players — Fer Lopez, Jhon Arias, Tolu Arokodare, David Moller Wolfe, Jackson Tchatchoua and Ladislav Krejci — none of whom had previous Premier League experience.

Jackson admits that while the club intended to build for the future, the lack of immediate impact has hurt their league campaign:

“The players brought in were signed for the right reasons, but when you have only two points at this stage, you have to admit it’s wrong. Whatever starting XI we’ve put out hasn’t been good enough,” Jackson said. “We believe in these players developing, but you still want instant results.”

He added that the club’s financial structure makes recruitment challenging, as Wolves often look for value in less-explored markets.

Jeff Shi: “Maybe We Sold Too Many Players”

Executive chairman Jeff Shi also reflected on the transfer window, questioning whether the squad was dismantled too quickly:

“Maybe we sold too many players in one window. We changed 40–50% of the key players compared to last season. Rebuilding takes time, but the Premier League is unforgiving.”

Under Shi’s leadership, Wolves have experienced Premier League promotion in 2018 and a memorable Europa League run in 2020. However, many supporters now accuse owners Fosun of allowing a steady decline, pointing to the departures of key players in recent years — Diogo Jota, Raúl Jiménez, Joao Moutinho, Adama Traoré, and Pedro Neto — without strong replacements.

Fan Protests and Growing Frustration

The club’s poor form has led to rising tension between fans and the board. Supporter groups organised a 15-minute boycott during the recent 4-1 home defeat to Manchester United, protesting against the direction of the club.

Shi says he understands why fans are angry:

“It’s natural. Five or six years ago we were at the heights — an FA Cup semi-final, a Europa League quarter-final. When you’ve had that, it’s hard to see it slip away.”

Despite the backlash, Shi says Wolves are in one of the strongest off-pitch positions of his tenure in terms of structure, communication, and long-term planning.

Calls for Dialogue with Supporters

Jackson encouraged fans to engage with the club rather than directing anger toward individuals:

“Our fans can express their views directly to Jeff because he doesn’t hide. Protest if you want — we understand. But come talk to us, hold us to account, and channel your energy into the team.”

Faith in Rob Edwards Despite Tough Start

Rob Edwards, Wolves’ fifth permanent manager in four years, replaced Vitor Pereira in November but has lost his first four matches. Despite this, both Jackson and Shi insist the club remains committed to a long-term project:

Shi said: “No one can guarantee anything 100%, but I’d say 95% he’ll be here for two or three years.”

Jackson added that the only reason Edwards would leave is if he personally walked away — something the board does not believe will happen.