Tens of thousands of football fans were today counting down the hours to the biggest Black Country derby in decades.

Wolves and Albion supporters everywhere are praying for the chance to see their team lift the play-off trophy at Wembley and secure a £60 million treasure chest.

Final preparations are now under way by police and transport chiefs to cope with the influx of fans.

Picture: Albion boss Tony Mowbray, left, and Mick McCarthy share a joke before January’s derby.

Read the full story in today’s Express & Star 

Tens of thousands of football fans were today counting down the hours to the biggest Black Country derby in decades.Wolves and Albion supporters everywhere are praying for the chance to see their team lift the play-off trophy at Wembley and secure a £60 million treasure chest. Police and transport police are braced for crowds of fans.

Meanwhile, Wolves president Sir Jack Hayward spoke exclusively to the Express & Star.

The billionaire told of his excitement ahead of what he called a “fantastic” occasion, and issued a rallying call to the team to make him proud.

Final preparations are now under way by police and transport chiefs to cope with the influx of fans.

Midland Metro chiefs have unveiled cut-price fares and are laying on extra trams.

A special £3 return fare will be available from the Hawthorns to Wolverhampton.

From around 2pm, inbound trams will terminate at Priestfield. Two trams will be on standby to take people to the ground ahead of the match.

After the match, Albion fans will be escorted to The Royal stop where extra Metros will take them home.

Fans are being urged to arrive early at Molineux, while anyone without a ticket has been asked not to travel to the ground.

No alcohol will be served at any of the stadium kiosks or the Terrace Bar, and city bars will not open until 3pm.

Motorists are being warned that Waterloo Road will be closed to traffic after the match and restrictions will also apply in Molineux Street.

Fans who cause trouble, including running onto the pitch, have been warned they could be banned from Wembley if their team makes it to the play-off final.

Hundreds of police will be on duty and disruption is expected in the city centre.

Picture: Albion boss Tony Mowbray, left, and Mick McCarthy share a joke before January’s derby.

By Mike Woods