James Morrison has underlined the unique intensity of the Black Country derby, insisting the upcoming clash with Wolves is far more than just another fixture for West Bromwich Albion. The former midfielder, a veteran of five such encounters during his playing days, stressed the fixture's deep-rooted importance to the club's fanbase as the full squad prepares for the trip to Molineux this weekend.
"It goes far deeper than that," Morrison said. "I keep getting reminded by the fans about this game, and it's for them."
Morrison's own career is etched with landmark moments in this local rivalry. In 2008, he was part of the Albion side that secured a 1-0 victory at Molineux, a result that all but sealed promotion to the Premier League. Zoltan Gera's late winner sparked celebrations as if the job was already done, with promotion formally confirmed a fortnight later. Three years on, Morrison scored a key late equaliser in a 1-1 draw at The Hawthorns, a vital point in a tense relegation battle. His only defeat against Wolves came in a 3-1 loss in May 2011.
The five-star performance
His most iconic contribution arrived in February 2012 during a stunning 5-1 victory at Molineux, Albion's biggest win on Wolves soil for half a century. Morrison was central to the rout, providing two goals directly from corners and assisting two more. The enduring image of him celebrating after setting up Keith Andrews for the fourth goal now holds a permanent place on the walls at The Hawthorns.
That historical context adds a layer of expectation for the current team, who sit fourth in the Championship with 14 points from seven games. Their recent form shows two wins, two draws, and one defeat from the last five outings. Conor Townsend is the only player in the present squad with prior experience of this particular derby, placing the onus on the group to quickly grasp its magnitude.
Manager Carlos Corberán will be looking to channel that derby spirit to maintain a promising start to the campaign. The team's last result was a 1-1 draw with Queens Park Rangers, and they face Wolves away on Saturday, 20 September. A positive result could solidify their place in the early promotion picture, while a defeat would hand bragging rights to their oldest foes. Fans can check the detailed fixtures list for the complete schedule ahead.
Morrison's message is clear for the players who will walk out at Molineux: understand what this game represents. For the supporters who travel across the Black Country, it is a fixture that defines seasons and creates legends, a truth embodied by Morrison's own career highlights against Wolves. The club's top scorer this season is J. Morgan with three goals, and his contribution could be key in a high-stakes atmosphere. The squad's preparations will be finalised at their training ground before departing for the short trip to Wolverhampton.
