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.
13. Feathered fan favourite: Baggie Bird ramps up the atmosphere on matchday
Giving a warm wave and a thumbs-up to the crowd, beloved club mascot Baggie Bird builds pre-match excitement at The Hawthorns. Decked out in the iconic navy-and-white striped Albion home kit, the oversized throstle is a staple sight pitchside, pumping up supporters of all ages and keeping matchday spirits sky-high before kickoff. Have you ever managed to grab a quick photo with Baggie Bird on a trip to The Hawthorns? | ©Getty Images
14. Clash of the titans: High-stakes battle for Black Country supremacy
Shoulder-to-shoulder on the pitch, Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha jostles for possession with West Bromwich Albion defender Kyle Bartley in an intense physical duel on January 28, 2024. The full-blooded challenge encapsulated the sheer intensity of the Emirates FA Cup fourth-round tie at The Hawthorns, where both sides put everything on the line before Wolves eventually secured a 2-0 victory to progress to the next round. Do you remember this hard-fought duel on the pitch during the FA Cup fourth-round derby? | ©Getty Images
15. Cheeky fan banter highlights contrasting fortunes as Baggies celebrate promotion
Holding a custom t-shirt high above his head, a smiling West Bromwich Albion supporter revels in the local rivalry at The Hawthorns on April 24, 2004. With simple striped and gold arrows pointing in opposite directions, the cheeky design summed up the ultimate Black Country bragging rights as Albion closed in on promotion to the Premier League while Wolves headed toward relegation. The lighthearted moment captured the sheer delight of the home crowd as the fortunes of the two fierce rivals crossed paths once again. Did you own any memorable banter t-shirts or props during those roller-coaster promotion seasons? | ©Getty Images / Matthew Lewis
16. Young supporter wears pride on his cheek for 90s derby thrill
Sporting a painted face complete with "WWFC" across his forehead and classic Wolf logos on his cheeks, a young Wolverhampton Wanderers fan watches intently from the stands at The Hawthorns on September 5, 1993. Decked out in the old-school gold-and-black kit, his focused expression captures the nervous tension of derby day. Despite the passionate backing from the away end, West Bromwich Albion claimed local bragging rights in a five-goal thriller, edging out a 3-2 Division One victory. Do you remember getting your face painted or wearing classic 90s gold-and-black gear for derby trips to The Hawthorns? | ©Clive Brunskill / Allsport