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.
33. Thumbs up for the journey travelling Wolves fan smiles ahead of derby day
Flashing a bright smile and giving a cheerful thumbs-up, a seasoned Wolverhampton Wanderers supporter makes his way toward The Hawthorns on January 28, 2024. Bundled up against the winter cold in a gold-and-black trimmed jacket and club scarf, his infectious optimism captured the spirit of the travelling fans arriving in Sandwell for the high-stakes FA Cup fourth-round tie against West Bromwich Albion. | ©Express & Star
34. Tension at The Hawthorns players watch as trouble flares in the stands
Lined up near the touchline, players from both Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion stand together in hands-on-hips disbelief as crowd trouble halts play at The Hawthorns on January 28, 2024. Stewards and police officers scrambled to restore order and clear the pitch after high tension boiled over in the stands following Wolves' second goal. The unprecedented suspension of play marked a dramatic, fraught chapter in the long history of the Black Country derby before match officials eventually brought the FA Cup tie to its conclusion. Do you remember the chaotic moments and lengthy delay as everyone waited for order to be restored at The Hawthorns? | ©Getty Images
35. United against homophobia as Proud Baggies and Wolves join forces
Uniting pitchside at The Hawthorns on March 9, 2020, members of West Bromwich Albion’s LGBTQ+ supporters group Proud Baggies gather alongside supporters from Wolves’ counterpart, Wolves Darlaston Aye We. Front left, Piero Zizzi, Hope Maule-Ffinch, and Shaun Keasey hold a rainbow club banner ahead of a joint tournament designed to tackle homophobia and promote inclusion across local football. Backed by both clubs, the collaborative initiative demonstrated how football fan groups can stand shoulder to shoulder for equality. | ©Express & Star