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.
9. Aftermath at Molineux left strewn with carrier bags after derby triumph
Row upon row of empty stadium seats lie draped in supermarket carrier bags following the final whistle of a fiercely contested Black Country derby. West Bromwich Albion fans left behind the improvised props after celebrating a memorable 3-0 FA Cup fourth-round victory over rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers on enemy soil at Molineux. The plastic bags, long used in good-humoured banter between the two local clubs, marked the quiet aftermath as stewards cleaned up the stands following an electric afternoon in the stands. Were you in the away end at Molineux to join in the celebrations for that 3-0 cup victory? | ©Express & Star
10. Blooming rivalry as local farm grows baskets in Black Country team colours
Proudly holding a West Bromwich Albion football alongside a Wolverhampton Wanderers scarf, Essington Farm owner Richard Simkin showcases custom hanging baskets crafted to match the local rivals. Carefully blooming in blue and white petunias for Baggies fans and black and gold arrangements for Wolves supporters, the vibrant floral displays brought a unique botanical twist to matchday pride ahead of the Black Country derby clash. Which set of colours would you hang outside your front door to show your allegiance? | ©Express & Star
11. All in the family: Smiling Baggies clan united in optimism ahead of derby showdown
Fists raised in eager anticipation, the Simkin family - Lynsey, Martin, Connor, and young Grayson - deck themselves out in team colours outside The Hawthorns on January 28, 2024. Joining thousands of passionate supporters gathering before the high-stakes FA Cup fourth-round clash between West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers, the family shared a united front of pre-match excitement and local pride ahead of the big kickoff. Were you soaking up the pre-match atmosphere outside The Hawthorns for the derby clash in January 2024? | ©Express & Star
12. Under the Molineux lights – Black Country faithful back the stars of tomorrow
Wrapped up warm in bobble hats, heavy coats, and scarves, a passionate crowd intently follows the action under the lights at Molineux on November 5, 2021. Supporters gathered on Bonfire Night to cheer on the next generation during a tense Premier League 2 clash between Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion. Even at academy level, the local derby atmosphere remained as sharp as ever, with fans giving the young prospects their full backing throughout the evening. Were you in the stands at Molineux on Bonfire Night to catch the youth derby in 2021? | ©Getty Images