Express & Star

West Brom v Aston Villa: A derby dripping with sub-plot

Had things gone slightly differently towards the end of last season, Dean Smith would be standing in the home dugout tonight.

Published
Last updated
Darren Moore got the Albion job on the back of his time as caretaker. (AMA)

Smith was interviewed for the role of Baggies head coach after Alan Pardew was sacked, but Darren Moore’s audition as caretaker was one simply too good for Albion’s owners to ignore.

It’s a well-known story, but one worth repeating ahead of this match as the two local men come head-to-head for this local rivalry.

Expected to simply man the tiller while the Baggies slipped to an embarrassing relegation, Moore nearly pulled off a miracle and was rewarded with the job he so richly deserved.

But despite his heroics, he never took it for granted. He hadn’t prepared his agent or anyone else for an offer.

“That’s why it was well known when I was offered the job, that’s why it was circling in the media,” he explains. “Because of the position I was in and respect of the club, I never pre-empted anything.

“When I was offered the role I had to get representatives to get the right contract deal and lawyers to do the paperwork because I hadn’t pre-empted anything.

“I was just working hard for West Brom and waiting until I was told what role I was doing.

“Here I am and that day’s long gone now. I’m always looking to try and improve the club and go forward.”

Moore was given the job because of both his diligence and commitment to Albion.

The start of Smith’s reign at Villa suggests he would have been a shrewd appointment too, but with Moore at the helm, the possibilities are greater.

If he succeeds, it will be the stuff of fairytale. The boy raised and schooled under the shade of The Hawthorns who turned cult hero as a player emerges from the shadows during one of the club’s darkest times of recent years to restore pride, passion and a sense of community.

He’s already overcome several hurdles both on and off the pitch, but tonight may be one of his toughest yet. It’s certainly one the fans will deem most important.

“I’m looking forward to the atmosphere, and some frontline football,” said Moore. “It’s something that is just in the blood. Nothing can take away that feeling in your stomach to compete.”

Moore is a man who understands what it means to be a Baggie, he’s entwined in the identity.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” he said. “It’s a special game for all us locals here connected to the club.”

His match-up with Smith is just one of several intriguing sub-plots.

As well as goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler, who left Albion for Villa last month, the visitors have former Baggie James Chester at the back. Albion have former Villans Gareth Barry and Sam Johnstone in their ranks.

“I don’t even think of it like that,” said Moore. “I think of them as West Brom, they’ve got the blue and white on. They’re our players, they belong to us, and they’re good players. They’re both fit and available.”

Kyle Bartley is the only Baggie definitely sidelined, although Hal Robson-Kanu is 50/50 after picking up a knee knock on Monday, which would see Dwight Gayle start his first match in seven.

But the attention will most likely be on the dugout where two local men lead out two local teams.

It’s just like the old days. How apt then that Moore, a man who has restored Albion’s identity, is in charge of the hosts.

Likely line-up

Likely line-up.

Subs: Myhill, Mears, Brunt, Barry, Harper, Hoolahan, Sako.