Mayors unite for big game
The mayors of Wolverhampton and Sandwell will be together for Sunday's derby clash – but not at the football.
As Wolves and Albion do battle at Molineux in the big lunchtime match, Councillors John Davis and Sadie Smith will be fulfilling a long-standing engagement at Sandwell Historic Vehicle Show.
The mayors revealed that they would be keeping tabs on events in Wolverhampton and said the semi-final clashes were good for the Black Country.
The Express & Star brought the two civic leaders together ahead of the play-off double header on Sunday and Wednesday.
Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Davis said the derby was good news for the city. He said: "It brings a buzz to the city and it puts us on the map. I'm making a plea for the fans to respect each other."
Councillor Davis, who has seen Wolves play Stoke and Birmingham City already this season, will miss both of the play-off matches.
On Sunday he is joining Councillor Smith for at Sandwell Valley Park and on Wednesday he will be handing over his duties to the city's new mayor at a council meeting.
Councillor Smith said the excitement ahead of the matches was electric in Sandwell.
She said: "I'm sure all the fans will appreciate the sense of occasion and I'm sure it will go well."
The Mayor of Sandwell has seen the Baggies once this season but they lost 1-0 at home to Sunderland.
She added both Mayors would keep abreast of Sunday's score during their visit to Sandwell.
"There will be people keeping an eye on what's going on at the match," said Councillor Smith.
"There's a lot of keenness on the council but there's different allegiances."
Derby fever has hit the Black Country with fans of the two clubs snapping up thousands of tickets.
At the same time, tens of thousands of motor lovers will be descending on the Sandwell Historic Vehicle Show to check out a host of unusual cars on display.
The 29th annual event is expected to attract up to 50,000 visitors.
