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.
17. Can't hear you! Cheeky Baggie pulls out classic wind-up in derby triumph
Pulling at his ears in a classic "I can't hear you" gesture, an animated West Bromwich Albion supporter aims some playful banter directly toward the visiting Wolverhampton Wanderers end. The hilarious moment in the stands was captured at The Hawthorns on October 16, 2011, during a fiery Premier League encounter. Albion fans were in full voice throughout the afternoon as goals from Chris Brunt and Peter Odemwingie sealed a convincing 2-0 derby victory for the home side. Were you in the stands at The Hawthorns to enjoy the bragging rights back in October 2011? | ©AFP via Getty Images
18. Akinbiyi strikes as Molineux erupts in tense division one battle
Watching the ball ripple the back of the net, Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Ade Akinbiyi turns away to celebrate his 41st-minute strike against West Bromwich Albion at Molineux on October 3, 1999. The goal sent the packed home stands into wild celebration as the rivals battled out a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Nationwide Division One. The frantic goalmouth action captured the raw, relentless energy of a classic late-nineties Black Country clash. Do you remember where you were watching when Akinbiyi found the net in this derby draw? | ©Getty Images
19. High-flying FA Cup drama as legends clash in vintage Black Country battle
West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Jock Wallace leaps to punch clear under heavy pressure during a chaotic FA Cup fourth-round tie at Molineux on January 27, 1962. The dramatic goalmouth scramble features a star-studded lineup of local legends, including Don Howe watching on alongside Chuck Drury, Stan Jones, and a young Bobby Robson for Albion, while Barrie Stobart and Jimmy Murray challenge in mid-air for Wolves. Packed with vintage aerial action, the classic encounter captured the raw intensity of 1960s derby football as the Baggies battled to a memorable 2-1 victory on enemy soil. Do you have family who remember watching legends like Bobby Robson and Don Howe battle it out at Molineux in this era? | ©PA
20. Hennessey flies high to command his box
Leaping high above a sea of shirts, Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey punches the ball clear during a frenetic Premier League clash against West Bromwich Albion on February 20, 2011. Surrounded by Albion defenders Jonas Olsson and Paul Scharner contesting the high ball, the Welsh shot-stopper had a busy afternoon keeping the Baggies at bay at The Hawthorns. Despite Hennessey's heroic aerial display, a late equaliser saw the heated Black Country derby end in a hard-fought 1-1 draw. Do you remember watching Wayne Hennessey pull off crucial saves during this tense derby back in February 2011? | ©Express & Star