SYNOPSIS

Focusing on five clubs - Aston Villa, Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Walsall - this is the story of League and cup football in the West Midlands: the great players, passionately fought local derbies, and the successes and failures that have inspired countless fans over the years.

This part of England has seen no small amount of footballing success, with League Championships, FA Cups, League Cups and European honours being won by West Midlands Clubs. In harder times fans have had to endure periods of underachievement and disappointments including relegation and cup final defeats. The highs and lows are recounted here by local football writer Tony Matthews in a fine illustrated history that is sure to delight all fans who have followed the game in these parts.