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.
21. Tabletop Black Country derby sees rival fans battle for Subbuteo glory
West Bromwich Albion fan Rob Ramsay and Wolves supporter Steve Charles lock eyes over a high-stakes miniature derby on January 28, 2017. Competing in a tournament hosted by the Wolverhampton Subbuteo Club at Pendeford Community Hub, the duo flicked their way through a tense miniature encounter held in honour of Roy Holden. The nostalgic showdown proved that the Black Country rivalry is just as fierce on the green felt as it is on the pitch. Did you ever recreate the Black Country derby on the Subbuteo pitch growing up? | ©Express & Star
22. Miniature match officials stand ready for tabletop Black Country battle
A Subbuteo referee stands flanked by gold-and-black and navy-and-white stripe figures in a festive homage to the local rivalry. Staged during a memorial tournament hosted by the Wolverhampton Subbuteo Club at Pendeford Community Hub, the hand-painted figures captured the iconic look of both clubs in perfect detail. Even on a felt pitch, the sight of the official stepping between the two sides captures the inherent drama of derby day. Did you ever collect the hand-painted classic Subbuteo teams for your favourite Black Country side? | ©Express & Star
23. Wolf mascot in hand as eager away day fans march towards derby day clash
Leading the charge with a wolf hand puppet held proudly aloft, a young supporter marches alongside a sea of gold-and-black faithful arriving at The Hawthorns on January 28, 2024. Escorted by coaches in the background, thousands of travelling Wolverhampton Wanderers fans made the short trip across the Black Country for the high-octane FA Cup fourth-round tie against West Bromwich Albion, bringing noisy optimism and playful energy to rival territory well before kickoff. Were you part of the noisy traveling gold-and-black support making the trip to Sandwell on derby day in 2024? | ©Express & Star archive
24. Rivalry cast aside for a worthy cause as brave supporter dons enemy colours
Setting aside fierce footballing loyalties for the night, Wolverhampton Wanderers fan Shaun Christopher proudly shows off a West Bromwich Albion shirt and bobble hat alongside Iain Brown in the empty stands at Molineux. Shaun agreed to wear the rival kit after generous donors pledged extra money toward the Molineux Sleep Out, an event raising vital funds for local charity The Good Shepherd. The lighthearted moment showed that even in the heart of the Black Country rivalry, community spirit and charity always come first. Would you ever wear your rival’s kit if it meant raising big money for a great local charity? | ©Express & Star