They say love of sport is a shared passion - but twice a year, in any city with two top clubs, football turns friends into enemies, starts bitter arguments, and can even divide families, as the passion of local derby games boils high.

Nowhere is that more true than in England's second city. The first time Aston Villa played Birmingham City, then called Small Heath Alliance, back in 1879, the game was settled by a disputed goal. Ever since there has been controversy and anger as well as excitement, joy and disappointment provided by tense and ferociously contested football games.

Packed with fascinating statistics, facts, trivia and unforgettable quotes, this book tells the compelling tale of the second city derby.