By Jemma Tappenden
March 6 2008

Tony Mowbray has assured fans that despite the clubs FA Cup success, the league remains number one priority. But there can be no disputing that the fixture pile up caused by rescheduled games is going to be tough. Today the club announced the date of another one of its rescheduled fixtures, they will face local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Tuesday 15th April.

With a kick off time of 7.45pm, this one could prove vital to both sides by the time the fixture rolls around.  The original date, this Sunday 9^th March was called off when Albion beat Coventry City 5-0 in the 5^th round of the Cup, meaning that they will now instead travel to Bristol for their Quarter Final showdown. 

Both Clubs have held discussions with West Midlands Police over the possible rearrangement, but with Wolves facing just as heavy a fixture pile up as Albion, having progressed to the 5^th round themselves and having to also rearrange the home fixture with Scunthorpe United which was postponed due to a frozen pitch, a midweek fixture was the only reality for both sides. 

There is no doubt that this fixture could be a white knuckle ride for all involved.  The police and security will be noticeably anxious, after insisting that all fixtures between the two sides be moved to Sunday lunchtimes in recent years.  This switch came about after a series of trouble at both grounds in the mid 90s.  This midweek clash poses new problems for security, although they will be encouraged no doubt that last seasons midweek fixture between the two sides in the play offs went off with minimal trouble. 

Wolves will be squeezing this fixture in between an away visit to Bristol City and home fixture versus Ipswich.  Albion on the other hand entertain Watford at home, then go on their travels to Norwich.  Both sides will be scrapping for points for very different reasons.  Mowbray will be looking for maximum return on available points wherever possible to ensure Albion achieve their main aim of automatic promotion.  McCarthy on the other hand will be hoping that the play off ‘dream’ is still insight by that point, with Wolves currently still and amazingly only 4 points of 6^th place. 

Tickets are expected to go back on sale at some point tomorrow, in what could be the last Black Country derby for the foreseeable if Mowbray is successful in winning promotion.  The last time Albion won promotion to he Premier League in the 2001/02 season, it would not be until the 2006/07 season that the would see their local rivals again, with Albion enjoying three of those seasons, and Wolves one in the top flight.

Albion's visit to Molineux rearranged for 15/04/08

Discussion started by West Brom (IP Logged), 06/03/2008 20:12

West Brom
06/03/2008 20:12

Albion's visit to Molineux rearranged for 15/04/08

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