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.
5. Pure derby delight as Baggies fans erupt following opening strike
West Bromwich Albion supporters throw their hands in the air and celebrate with unbridled joy at The Hawthorns on October 16, 2011. The electric moment in the stands was sparked by captain Chris Brunt opening the scoring against arch-rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers in a thrilling Barclays Premier League derby. The home crowd was treated to a dominant display as the Baggies went on to secure a memorable 2-0 victory over their local rivals. Were you in the stands at The Hawthorns to celebrate Chris Brunt's opening goal against Wolves back in October 2011? | ©Laurence Griffiths / Getty Images
6. Sealing the victory: Travelling Wolves fans erupt as derby double hits the net
A sea of jubilation breaks out in the away end at The Hawthorns on January 28, 2024, as travelling Wolverhampton Wanderers fans go wild. The explosive moment came after Matheus Cunha latched onto a long ball and slotted home a second goal to seal a 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round. The strike sent the visiting support into raptures, securing Wolves' first victory on Albion's home turf since 1996. Were you packed into the away end at The Hawthorns to witness Cunha's derby-clenching goal in January 2024? | ©Jack Thomas / Getty Images
7. King Jeff reigns supreme as Albion hero strikes in classic 1960s derby
Arms raised high in joyous celebration, legendary West Bromwich Albion forward Jeff Astle wheeling away after slotting the ball past the Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper on October 10, 1964. The decisive goal came during a hard-fought First Division Black Country derby, cementing 'The King's' reputation early in his Albion career as a lethal threat in front of goal against local rivals. Do you remember watching the legendary Jeff Astle lead the line for West Bromwich Albion during the 1960s? | ©Getty Images
8. Agony and ecstasy: Baggies celebrate in South Bank as Wolves suffer derby heartbreak
A stark contrast of emotions unfolds on the pitch as West Bromwich Albion players mob each other in wild celebration right in front of the South Bank (Jack Harris Stand) at Molineux on January 28, 2007. Dejected Wolverhampton Wanderers players can only stare at the turf as Albion double their lead, sending the packed travelling support into bedlam. The pivotal second goal helped seal a memorable 3-0 victory for the Baggies, knocking their arch-rivals out of the FA Cup fourth round on home turf. Were you in the stands at Molineux on that dramatic FA Cup derby day in 2007? | ©James Baylis