10 Biggest Football Rivalries In Midlands
5. Wolves vs Aston Villa
It is a rivalry that could become more heightened in the coming years, with both clubs harbouring the same ambitions and facing similar challenges in achieving them.
The desired destination remains the same for both clubs, reaching and doing well in Europe, and they know they will likely have to tread a similar path to reach it. With both clubs from the West Midlands region, expect this game to grow in stature.
4. Leicester City vs Nottingham Forest
The East Midlands is a funny place to determine local rivalries. Traditionally, a successful area of the country in terms of footballing heritage, being the home of Nottingham Forest, Derby County and of course, Leicester City. However, although there is little room for disputing the legitimacy of the ‘East Midlands Big 3’. There is significantly more doubt over the issue of who hates whom.
In 2003, the Football Fans Census aimed to highlight who football fans considered their clubs’ biggest rivals and there were no surprises in the East Midlands with all three naming each other as their two biggest rivals. Leicester ranks Forest as their number one rivals, while Forest also rates Leicester as their biggest rivals after Derby County.
3. Derby County vs Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest’s rivalry with Derby County is one steeped in history. According to a survey on football rivalries, it is the 11th fiercest rivalry in English football, with 9 out of 10 fans from both clubs pointing to the other as their fiercest rival.
Both clubs have had the privilege of being managed by legendary boss Brian Clough, with the Reds with enjoying their greatest era under his stewardship. The Rams also enjoyed success, winning the first division title. Since 2007 whenever the two teams meet the winner has been awarded the Brian Clough Trophy, in memory of Brian Clough
2. Wolves vs West Brom
The black country derby between Wolves and West Brom is one of the most fierce football rivalry in English Football. One in four fans from both clubs claims that their rivalry went much deeper than football.
With both West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers being founder members of the Football League in 1888, the Black Country derby between these two teams is one of the oldest in the world. The fixture was contested in each of the first 13 league seasons from 1888 to 1901.
Checkout: Players Who Played For Both Wolves And West Brom
1. Aston Villa vs Birmingham City
The rivalry between Aston Villa and Birmingham City, known as the Second City Derby, stems from Birmingham being the UK’s second city. These clubs are each other’s most fierce rivals, with a rich history dating back to their first match in 1887, which Villa won 1-0.
The rivalry extends beyond the pitch into Birmingham’s daily life, with distinct territories divided by Washwood Heath Road. The north, including Erdington and Sutton Coldfield, is Villa territory, while the south, including Small Heath and Solihull, is blue and white turf. This derby is deeply ingrained in the city’s culture, affecting shops, offices, playgrounds, and building sites.