Is the Second City derby the biggest?

Aston Villa will take on Birmingham City on Sunday afternoon in what I believe is the biggest derby in English football for so many reasons.

Many will say the Manchester derby or the North London derby when you ask them what are the biggest derbies in English football but I believe nothing can quite reach the magnitude the second city derby does.

The hate between Birmingham’s two biggest sides run deep with the first game between the two sides coming in 1879.

Many fierce battles have been fought since with as many red cards and goals to go with it with Aston Villa winning 52 of the meets in comparison to Birmingham’s 38.

The Manchester derby or Manchester vs Liverpool may have the money about it and the steeped history of both sides being two of the biggest heavyweights in world football but the second city is much more than that.

Millwall vs West Ham United is known for its violence. Every derby is known for something but as an overall package. Surely the Second City comes on top?

Some of the other ‘big’ derby games

• Cardiff City vs Swansea City
• Chester vs Wrexham
• Derby County vs Nottingham Forest
• AFC Wimbledon vs MK Dons
• Wolves vs West Bromwich Albion
• Leeds United vs Manchester United
• Burnley vs Blackburn Rovers
• Southampton vs Portsmouth
• Everton vs Liverpool

In recent years the fixture has been missing from our calendars due to Birmingham’s relegation from the Premier League but now with both sides plying their trade in the Championship they will cross swords again.

The passion and atmosphere generated in the game’s makes it one of the most hostile in the world. It is driven by hatred and a love for the beautiful game.

We have seen trouble mar many encounters with fighting getting out of control. Some will say that they’re football thugs but for others it is much more than having a punch up. It is a way of life. Following your side week in and week out.

 

Several people have dared to cross the city including Liam Ridgewell, Craig Gardner and Alex McLeish but the latest man to have history with both is Steve Bruce and our first team coach Steve Clemence.

Times have moved on though since the days of McLeish. The situation at both clubs has not been ideal at all.

If you ask any Birmingham City or Aston Villa fan they will tell you that the biggest derby is the Second City one. We may be biased but I think it is fair to say it has more history than many and a lot more hatred. It will never be Boca vs River or the Old Firm but in its own right I believe the Second City derby has a rightful place alongside those.

Yes, it isn’t been played out in a top division but who said a big derby needs to be in the top division? It will be the 123rd meeting of the two sides and if you don’t realise it yet. You will soon realise why it’s the biggest in England.

The rivalry splits families in half for two hours. It will make your next day at work a ‘day off’ the torrent of abuse will be that difficult to deal with. The game is more than football. The game is everything.

I don’t think the Manchester derby or any other in fact can be measured against the levels that are created from Aston Villa taking on Birmingham City. Sunderland vs Newcastle United could be disputed as coming close but to me Aston Villa vs the Blues is the biggest rivalry in England.