Tommy Doyle insists the whole Wolves squad are fully aware of the significance of the Black Country derby to supporters and will be doing everything possible to claim bragging rights on Sunday.
The midfielder is one of six members of Cesar Pexioto’s squad who were present at the Hawthorns when the Old Gold ran out 2-0 winners over West Bromwich Albion three seasons ago and admits he didn’t know the magnitude of what a Black Country derby could entail until that day.
But as the teams prepare to face off at Molineux in front of supporters for the first time since 2012, Doyle believes the Wolves players will be right up for the match, while also understanding the need to play with a cool head.
On his previous Black Country derby experience
“It’s really good [to win the Black Country derby]. Obviously, the last time I played in one it was quite eventful.
“It was a good game and some things probably got a bit out of hand, but that’s what this fixture can bring. It was a good one to win and we want to win again tomorrow.
“I’m looking forwards to experiencing one at Molineux a lot. Obviously, the last game was away, so I’ve never had the pleasure of playing in one at home and it should be exciting. We’re expecting a loud occasion and I’m really looking forward to it.”
On knowing the importance of the match
“We know it well. Some of us have played in this fixture before, so we speak about it a lot and we understand the magnitude of the game and what it brings. But we also have to have a calmness going into it.
“We understand that it isn’t classed as just any other game, but we have to treat it like that, because that’s how we’ll perform at our best. There have been some really positive signs in the last couple of games, even the other night, with all the changes we made, there were a lot of lads who were really impressive, so everybody is ready to go. We have to give everything for the badge, the club and especially the fans, because we know what it means.
“It’s everything. I obviously know that from my own experiences with Man City and they probably took it too far back in the day as well! You feel it, but you have to feel it and you have to embrace it.
“It’s such a massive occasion, but it’s an enjoyable occasion too and you want to play in these games. You want to be the team that gets one over on your opposition, especially for the fans. We know how much it means – we’re not oblivious to it.”
On playing in other derbies
“They’re not all the same. You always feel that extra edge and there’s always a bit more in the build-up and a bit more riding on it, but they all bring different things.
“I grew up at Man City and it’s the same there. When I was watching the [Manchester] derby the other week, you still feel that same energy even though you’re not playing. That changes this weekend because we’ll be involved, although the preparation has been the same.
“Obviously, we had the game the other night, so it’s been a little different in terms of recovery, but we’ll all get to the same level and we’ll be ready to go.
“The last time we played this fixture was probably an extreme example of what can happen in a derby. We’ve seen things happen in other derbies as well and it’s a massive game and we’re ready for it.”
