The Black Country derby has always been about more than 90 minutes of football. As West Bromwich Albion prepare to head to Molineux this Sunday (September 20), we delve into the archives to revisit the fans, matches and memorable moments that have made this one of the region’s most fiercely contested rivalries.
From packed terraces and passionate supporters to jubilant celebrations, dramatic encounters and times when rivalry was put aside for a good cause, these pictures capture the characters and atmosphere of derbies gone by. In no particular order, they offer a look at some of the people and moments that have helped make these matches so memorable.
Do you recognise anyone? Which derby memories stand out for you? Share your stories and memories in the comments.
1. A house divided: Pub couple put love to the test over Black Country derby
Landlord Martin Cadman and landlady Jo Selman strike a playful pose outside The Old Bulls Head in Lower Gornal on January 24, 2024. With the highly anticipated FA Cup showdown between West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers looming, the publican couple found their household split straight down the middle. Sporting their respective club colours, Jo proudly points to her Wolves badge while Martin dons his Albion shirt, showing that even true love can be put on hold for derby day. Did you have friendly rivalries or split football loyalties in your house for the 2024 Black Country derby? | ©Express & Star
2. Tempers boil over as derby day tensions spark pitch-side scuffle
Tensions erupt on the pitch as players from Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion square up during a heated Nationwide First Division clash on December 2, 2001. Referee card in hand, the official attempts to restore order at Molineux Stadium amid grappling shirts and high emotions in the middle of a fiercely contested Black Country derby. Albion ultimately held on to claim local bragging rights, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory on foreign turf. Do you remember watching this fiery Black Country derby at Molineux back in December 2001? | ©Getty Images / Mike Finn-Kelcey/ALLSPORT
3. Sky-high banter as cheekily worded banner flies over rival turf
A light-hearted banner reading "BOING BOING BYE BYE #WOLVESAYWE" trails through clear blue skies above The Hawthorns in May 2018. Funded by mischievous Wolverhampton Wanderers supporters, the aerial prank took local football rivalry to new heights during West Bromwich Albion's Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur. Poking fun at Albion's impending relegation just as Wolves were celebrating promotion to the top flight, the cheeky message added another memorable chapter to the long-standing banter shared between the two Black Country clubs. Did you spot the banner flying over The Hawthorns back in May 2018? | ©Matthew Ashton / AMA
4. Bully tears into derby week as Wolves legend backs team for clash
Literally tearing a West Bromwich Albion crest in half at Molineux, legendary striker Steve Bull expresses his confidence ahead of the upcoming Black Country derby on January 24, 2024. The iconic goalscorer held no punches in predicting a decisive win for his former club ahead of the FA Cup fourth-round showdown against their fierce local rivals at The Hawthorns. His spirited prop work captured the fiery anticipation surrounding the first clash between the two sides in nearly three years. Do you remember Steve Bull's derby predictions, or watching him lead the line for Wolves against Albion? | ©Express & Star