Family split by Black Country derby loyalties

For Amanda Kite, avoiding the attention and affection of her husband is a relatively simple task - she just slips into her beloved Baggies shirt.

The lifelong Albion fan says rivalry between her and her Wolves-supporting partner can be that strong that they can go for hours without speaking to each other.

"If I'm wearing my Baggies shirt, he won't come to me and give me a cuddle," said the 39-year-old mother of one, from Cornfield Road, Rowley Regis. "He won't go anywhere near me when I've got it on."

Amanda, who has been with her husband, Martin, for 12 years and married for the last two, said Sunday's big match derby at The Hawthorns will be a big day for the family.

She said: "My 16-year-old son Jack is a mummy's boy, so he's a Baggies fan. If we win on Sunday, Martin may well have to go to his mother's house to cool off for a bit."

Amanda, who has had a season ticket with Albion for 15 years, said Martin's dislike for the Baggies was so strong that will not allow Jack to have his surname on the back of his shirt.

Amanda believes her team will triumph in Sunday's big match, but she said whatever the result, she will be more than happy to welcome Martin back into her arms.

She said: "We both love our teams. He'll have a strop when the Baggies win but I'll be there for him after."

Amanda will be at Sunday's game but such is Martin's dislike for the Baggies, he has refused to even visit the ground and will watch the game at the pub with his mates instead.

He said: "Let's just say I won't be skipping down the road for a hug if the result isn't right on Sunday."