AFTER more than a decade of volunteering helping with the role of Warrington Wolves’ club mascot Wolfie, Graeme Chicken says he has been left “shocked” and “disillusioned” after being kicked into touch.
In an open letter to fans on social media Graeme wrote: “Shocked is an understatement to say the least.I was summoned on Monday after Saturday’s season opener to be told my fate in person by Karl. I will be replaced immediately. No warning. No chance of change. No final show. It was made clear it would be effective immediately.”
Graeme says he was “privileged enough to continue the life of a fantastic character after 20 years of groundwork by the original Wolfie.”
Graeme had been a stand-in for more than a decade when the original Wolfie was otherwise engaged and did the role full-time last season.
He added: “Having devoted the last 12 years to the club on a purely voluntary basis, I’ve been to a variety of commercial and community events often at a moments notice and cost to myself and often alone and having the brand of the club on my shoulders.”
As a lifelong Liverpool fan he is also disappointed he won’t be able to attend the Magic Weekend Anfield in May.
He added: “To be replaced in such a way has left me feeling completely disillusioned with Rugby league and Warrington Wolves.
“I am going to miss the role and all the fans so much. It is really going to be difficult to go back to the stands – if I even do go back.”
While the Wolves have made no official statement it is understood that Graeme has “done nothing wrong” and that the club want to take Wolfie in a “different direction.”
It is understood Graeme received two complimentary season tickets for his endeavors.
The “original” Wolfie, who had the role for 20 years, had to retire last season due to injury.
🐺 @WolfieNewEra is raring to go again in 2019 – are you?
Today is your last chance to secure your little ones a junior membership at the earlybird price from just £49!
DETAILS ➡️ https://t.co/pPNYUR4Ks2 pic.twitter.com/LOPg8PAoNP
— Warrington Wolves (@wolvesrl) December 29, 2018
Graeme’s post on social media
