John and Paul on opposite sides of derby divide
Date of release: 27 January 2024
Health and Safety staff John Frazer and Paul Delaney might be close colleagues at work but there are firmly in different camps for the Black Country derby.
John and Paul in their respective Wolves and Albion shirts, getting excited for the big Black Country derby at the Hawthorns
John, 49, Health and Safety Manager at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT), is a lifelong Wolves supporter, while Paul, 45, Health and Safety Officer is a West Bromwich Albion fanatic. Both will be hoping their teams win tomorrow’s eagerly-awaited FA Cup fourth round tie at The Hawthorns.
Being born and bred on Albion’s ‘enemy’ territory – Wolverhampton – and living near there all his life, Paul has had to get used to the banter over the years.
“My mum’s side of the family are all Wolves fans but my grandad on my dad’s side came from Ireland and went to work in Tipton, and his work mates took him to The Hawthorns so my dad, my uncles and me have always been Albion fans,” said Paul.
“I live in Sedgley but I grew up in Bilston and I used to live on the Willenhall Road and quite often I’d get shouted at if I went out in my Albion top!
“It’s all banter to me. John’s seemed quite nervous this week – I think it’s because Albion have had the upper hand for quite a while.
“We’re in a WhatsApp group and as soon as the draw came out, I messaged to say ‘Get in!’”
Paul won’t be at the game as he works weekends as a part-time Porter at New Cross.
“I’m seriously the enemy – they have said if Albion win, I’d better find a new job!” said Paul. “I’ll be taking my break at 11.45am so I can watch the match on TV.”
The rivals haven’t met in front of fans since February 2012 when Albion won 5-1 at Molineux and Paul is cheekily sticking his neck out for a repeat.
“Albion need to rattle Wolves at the start and if they do it could be 2-0 to Albion, but if it becomes a possession game, it might be 1-0 or 2-0 to Wolves. I’m going for 5-1 to Albion again!” he added.
John, from Tamworth, will be at the game. He isn’t sitting on the fence either but is cautious given Albion’s superior record in the fixture.
“It’s so exciting to have the Black Country derby back and whichever side you support, it’s great to have a full house and a really exciting game.
“Having it live on TV is also fantastic for our region to have the exposure. My hope is it’s just a proper rip-roaring cup tie and I hope we do ourselves justice more than they do!
“Bearing in mind Wolves’ terrible record against the stripey lot and their fantastic record at home, I’m going to go for a slightly reserved 4-0 win to mighty Wanderers!
“I’m hoping this won’t come back to haunt me! (gulps)”
ENDS
- For further information, please call Tim Nash on 07714 741097 or email tim.nash2@nhs.net
