INTRODUCTION

The rivalry between the two greatest football clubs ever to come out of the Black Country - West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers - began more than 115 years ago, in season 1882-83.

Since then the Baggies and the Wolves have come face to face with each other on more than 200 occasions, including 130 clashes in the Football League, of which both were founder members back in 1888.

In the first meeting on 20 January 1883, Albion beat Wolves 4-2 in a third round Birmingham Senior Cup-tie, but over the years the overall statistics show that neither side has really dominated the proceedings. In fact of the 141 competitive games played, Albion lead by 54 wins to Wolves' 50 with 37 draws.

Perhaps the greatest battle for honours involving both clubs was in season 1953-54 when, after a terrific campaign, Wolves edged out Albion by four points to take their first ever League Division One championship. while Albion recovered to win the F.A. Cup.

Some tremendous crowds have turned out to watch the many local derbies, both at Molineux and The Hawthorns. It was commonplace during the 1950s to see gates of 50,000 at both grounds and in March 1950 almost 61,000 packed in to see the Albion-Wolves clash at The Hawthorns - the biggest attendance ever for a Black Country local derby.

Scores of great players have donned the colours of both clubs, many of them star internationals and all are featured in this book, with details of appearances made and goals scored of each and every player who has served with Albion and Wolves at competitive level.

There has been a lot of banter between supporters of both sides, young and old, male and female, and this will continue for many years to come. The loyalties of some of my closest friends and work colleagues are divided. At times all have been happy, downhearted, totally frustrated, annoyed, sad and despondent. But the game still goes on - and will do so for years to come..... therefore, wouldn't it be nice for both Albion and Wolves to play each other in the Premiership. Yes - it will happen - sooner rather than later I feel.

Tony Matthews