Derby day passions have split loyalties in one Black Country factory as colleagues prepare for tomorrow’s crunch Albion and Wolves clash.

John Skidmore and Michael Simmonds have worked together for more than six years at Alucast foundry, on Western Way in Wednesbury, but tensions have risen in the build-up to the relegation battle.

Baggies season ticket holder Mr Skidmore, aged 60, said he has struggled to cope with Mr Simmonds’ avid fan antics.

“There’s been a lot of joshing all week at work but talking aside, I think it will be 2-1 to the Albion,” the grandfather-of-three said.

Mr Skidmore, of Tame Road in Wednesbury, added: “Hodgson needs to motivate the defence – he’s got plenty of experience and he should be able to make them play for 90 minutes instead of the 45 minutes against West Ham.”

Grandfather-of-two Mr Simmonds, a caster for 16 years, of Short Heath in Willenhall, predicted: “We’ll win 3-1.”