West Ham United Football Club: A Legacy of East London
West Ham United Football Club, often referred to simply as West Ham, is one of England’s most famous football institutions. Based in East London, the club has cultivated a rich history since its inception, underpinned by working-class roots, an enduring fanbase, and moments of both triumph and heartache. From humble beginnings as a factory team to competing on the European stage, West Ham’s journey is an interesting one. The club also features prominently culturally speaking with films such as ‘Green Street’ and others.
Origins and Formation
West Ham United traces its origins to 1895, when it was established as Thames Ironworks Football Club. Founded by Arnold Hills, the managing director of the Thames Ironworks and Shipbuilding Company, the club was intended to provide organised sport for local workers and to promote camaraderie and physical fitness. The team initially played its matches in the working-class neighbourhoods of East London, with a strong emphasis on local talent.
In 1900, Thames Ironworks FC was disbanded and reconstituted as West Ham United Football Club. The reborn club adopted a more formal structure, entering the Southern League and later joining the Football League in 1919. Their election to the Second Division marked the start of West Ham’s journey into the upper echelons of English football.
Historical Development and Achievements
West Ham’s early years were characterised by modest success, but the club gradually built a reputation for attractive, attacking football. In 1923, West Ham reached their first major final – the FA Cup Final – famously held at Wembley Stadium in what became known as the “White Horse Final.” Although they lost 2–0 to Bolton Wanderers, the event cemented the club’s status in the national consciousness.
Before World War II
West Ham United’s formative years before the Second World War laid the foundation for the club’s working-class identity and local pride. After being reformed from Thames Ironworks FC in 1900, the club joined the Southern League and moved to the Boleyn Ground in 1904, a site that would become synonymous with the club for over a century. Under the management of Syd King, who led the team from 1902 to 1932, West Ham earned election to the Football League Second Division in 1919. Just four years later, in 1923, they achieved promotion to the First Division and reached the FA Cup Final in the same year – the famous “White Horse Final” at the newly opened Wembley Stadium. Though they lost 2–0 to Bolton Wanderers, the match entered folklore for the sheer number of fans in attendance and the iconic image of a police horse controlling the crowd. Throughout the 1920s and 30s, West Ham were a yo-yo team, bouncing between the First and Second Divisions. The club struggled with consistency and financial constraints, and despite boasting strong local support, they failed to make a significant mark on the domestic scene prior to the war.
Post-War Years (1945–1959)
In the years following World War II, West Ham, like much of Britain, was focused on rebuilding. The Boleyn Ground had sustained some damage during the Blitz, and resources were scarce. Charlie Paynter, the club’s manager from 1932 to 1950, led them through the difficult war years and into the post-war era. In 1950, he was succeeded by Ted Fenton, under whom the club began to modernise both tactically and administratively. Fenton was instrumental in establishing a youth development system that would later become one of the best in England. He helped form what would be known as “The Academy of Football,” promoting young talent with technical skills and intelligence. In 1958, Fenton guided West Ham back to the First Division after a 26-year absence, laying the groundwork for the club’s success in the coming decades.
The 1960s: The Golden Generation
The 1960s were arguably the most romanticised era in West Ham’s history. Managed by Ron Greenwood from 1961, the club gained a reputation for playing an attractive, passing style of football. Greenwood was a visionary, and under his guidance, the club produced three players who would become national icons: Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, and Martin Peters. In 1964, West Ham won their first major trophy, defeating Preston North End 3–2 in the FA Cup Final. The following year, they claimed European glory by winning the European Cup Winners’ Cup, beating 1860 Munich at Wembley. Bobby Moore lifted the trophy, further cementing his status as one of England’s greatest ever defenders. In 1966, the West Ham trio played a key role in England’s World Cup victory, with Hurst scoring a hat-trick in the final and Moore captaining the side. That West Ham played such a central role in England’s only World Cup triumph became a point of enduring pride for the club and its supporters.
The 1970s: Transition and Resilience
The 1970s were a period of change and mixed fortunes. Ron Greenwood moved into a general manager role in 1974, allowing his assistant, John Lyall, to take over first-team duties. Lyall’s tenure would last until 1989, making him one of the club’s longest-serving and most beloved managers. In 1975, he led the club to another FA Cup triumph, beating Fulham 2–0 with both goals scored by Alan Taylor. The final was particularly memorable as Fulham featured West Ham legend Bobby Moore in their ranks. Although the club reached the European Cup Winners’ Cup Final again in 1976, they lost to Anderlecht. In the league, West Ham struggled for consistency and were relegated in 1978. However, Lyall stayed on and rebuilt the team, preparing them for a strong return in the next decade.
The 1980s: Cup Glory and Near Misses
West Ham started the 1980s with another FA Cup win in 1980, defeating Arsenal 1–0 at Wembley with a famous goal from Trevor Brooking – a diving header that remains etched in Hammers folklore. This remains the last time a club outside the top flight won the FA Cup. The early 1980s saw the club promoted back to the First Division in 1981. The 1985–86 season was particularly remarkable as West Ham, led by Lyall and spearheaded by Tony Cottee and Frank McAvennie, finished third in the league – their highest-ever league position. Unfortunately, due to the ban on English clubs in European competition following the Heysel disaster, West Ham could not compete in Europe the following season. The rest of the decade saw inconsistency, and Lyall was controversially dismissed in 1989, ending an era of loyalty and stability.
The 1990s: Booms and Busts
The 1990s were turbulent for West Ham. The club experienced relegation in 1992 under Billy Bonds but returned to the Premier League in 1993. Bonds, a club legend, resigned in 1994 and was replaced by his former teammate Harry Redknapp. Redknapp oversaw a period of excitement and unpredictability, blending seasoned players with emerging young talent. The late 1990s saw the emergence of the “Golden Generation” of West Ham youth players: Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick, and Jermain Defoe. In 1999, West Ham finished fifth in the Premier League, their best result of the decade, and qualified for the UEFA Intertoto Cup, which they won to reach the UEFA Cup. However, financial mismanagement and poor decisions led to instability at the turn of the millennium.
The 2000s: Turmoil and Recovery
The 2000s were a rollercoaster. Redknapp was sacked in 2001, and the club was relegated in 2003 despite boasting a talented squad. Glenn Roeder and later Alan Pardew led the efforts to return to the Premier League, with Pardew succeeding in 2005 via a dramatic Championship play-off final win over Preston North End. In 2006, West Ham reached the FA Cup Final under Pardew, narrowly losing to Liverpool on penalties after a thrilling 3–3 draw. In 2007, the club narrowly avoided relegation thanks to the heroics of Carlos Tevez, whose controversial signing later led to legal disputes. Gianfranco Zola and Avram Grant followed as managers with mixed success, and the club suffered another relegation in 2011.
The 2010s: Rebuilding and a New Home
Sam Allardyce was appointed in 2011 and guided West Ham back to the Premier League in 2012. Although criticised for his pragmatic style, he stabilised the club. In 2015, Croatian manager Slaven Bilić took charge, and his first season (2015–16) proved memorable as West Ham finished seventh and said farewell to Upton Park with an emotional 3–2 win over Manchester United. That summer, the club moved to the London Stadium, a controversial but momentous change. The initial years at the new venue were turbulent, with fan protests and inconsistent results. Managers came and went – including David Moyes’ first spell and a brief tenure by Manuel Pellegrini – as the club tried to find its identity in its new surroundings.
The 2020s: European Success and a New Era
The 2020s began with David Moyes returning to steady the ship, and this time he led a renaissance. In the 2020–21 and 2021–22 seasons, West Ham finished sixth and seventh respectively, qualifying for European competition. The highlight came in 2023 when West Ham won the UEFA Europa Conference League, defeating Fiorentina 2–1 in the final. Jarrod Bowen’s late goal sealed the club’s first major trophy in over 40 years, sparking wild celebrations. Declan Rice, the captain and heartbeat of the team, departed soon after, but his legacy was secure. Moyes solidified his reputation, and West Ham looked to the future with optimism, blending seasoned pros with promising young players like Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paquetá.
Post Moyes
After the departure of David Moyes in 2024, West Ham United entered a new chapter marked by managerial change and evolving ambitions. Moyes had restored pride to the club, culminating in the 2023 UEFA Europa Conference League triumph, but his pragmatic style and inconsistent league form in his final season led the club to seek a fresh direction. In his place, West Ham appointed Julen Lopetegui, the former Spain, Real Madrid, and Wolves manager, in a move that signalled a desire for more progressive, possession-based football. Lopetegui inherited a squad with a mix of seasoned internationals and rising stars, aiming to build on Moyes’ European foundation while improving league consistency. His tenure began with promise, as West Ham showed glimpses of a more expansive style, but results were mixed, and questions remained about defensive resilience and squad depth. Nonetheless, Lopetegui’s appointment was seen as a bold step toward modernising West Ham’s identity and pushing the club toward sustained European qualification in the increasingly competitive Premier League landscape.
However Lopetegui did not achieve the success that West Ham were looking for and was replaced by Graham Potter.
Club Colours and Kit
West Ham’s kit is among the most recognisable in world football. The club’s traditional colours are claret and blue, a palette they have worn since 1903. The story behind the colours is often linked to a connection with Aston Villa, with one version of the tale suggesting that a former Villa player passed on a set of kits to the Hammers. This has never however been verified.
The classic kit comprises a claret shirt with blue sleeves, white shorts, and claret socks. Over the decades, the design has seen various modernisations, but the fundamental look has remained largely unchanged, preserving the club’s identity. The badge, which has evolved several times, now features crossed hammers – a nod to the club’s origins in the ironworks – set within a shield, often accompanied by the word “London” to reflect its capital city heritage.
Kit manufacturers and sponsors have changed frequently over the years. Brands such as Adidas, Umbro, Reebok, and Macron have all produced West Ham kits, with Umbro being the most synonymous with the club’s history. Shirt sponsorship became common in the 1980s, and in recent years companies such as Betway and Scope Markets have appeared on the front of the jersey.
Stadiums: From the Boleyn Ground to the London Stadium
West Ham’s spiritual home was the Boleyn Ground, more commonly known as Upton Park. Situated in East Ham, the ground served as the club’s base from 1904 until 2016. It underwent several renovations over the decades, with its final capacity standing at just over 35,000. Upton Park was renowned for its tight, intimidating atmosphere and proximity of fans to the pitch. The ground was steeped in history and nostalgia, having hosted generations of loyal supporters and countless memorable matches.
The decision to leave Upton Park was met with mixed emotions. In 2016, West Ham moved into the London Stadium, the former Olympic Stadium built for the 2012 Summer Games. The move was aimed at modernising the club’s infrastructure and expanding its global appeal. With a capacity of over 62,000, the London Stadium is among the largest football venues in the country and offers state-of-the-art facilities.
Despite initial teething problems with atmosphere and fan experience, the club has gradually settled into its new surroundings. Notably, the London Stadium has hosted European nights, international fixtures, and high-profile concerts, further embedding West Ham into the heart of modern London culture.
West Ham and popular British culture.
One of the most infamous aspects of West Ham’s cultural footprint is its historical connection to football hooliganism. In the 1970s and 1980s, the club became associated with the Inter City Firm (ICF), one of the most well-known and organised hooligan firms in English football. The ICF operated during the height of football-related violence, and although such activity has diminished significantly due to modern policing and stadium regulations, the legacy of that era persists in public memory and media portrayals. Figures such as Cass Pennant, a former member of the ICF, have written books and appeared in documentaries exploring the complex subculture of football hooliganism, offering insight into its roots and motivations. These stories have contributed to the “hard” image of West Ham supporters, even as the club and fanbase have evolved significantly in recent decades. A film has been made about Pennant himself called ‘Cass’.
West Ham’s notoriety in this realm has been immortalised in several films and television productions. Green Street (2005), known in the UK as Green Street Hooligans, is perhaps the most famous example. Starring Elijah Wood and Charlie Hunnam, the film follows an American student who becomes entangled with a fictionalised West Ham firm, highlighting themes of loyalty, identity, and violence within football fan culture. Though often criticised for its Hollywood interpretation and questionable accents, Green Street brought the culture of football firms to an international audience and cemented West Ham’s image in global popular culture.
Another significant depiction is The Firm (1989), directed by Alan Clarke and starring Gary Oldman. The film offers a raw and gritty portrayal of football hooliganism in 1980s Britain, loosely inspired by real-life firms like the ICF. Although the club itself is not explicitly named, the protagonist’s team allegiance is widely interpreted as being West Ham. A 2009 remake of The Firm further explored the appeal and dangers of hooligan culture among young men, reflecting the ongoing fascination with this dark chapter of football history. In both versions, the aesthetic and attitude of West Ham supporters are clearly influential, reinforcing the club’s presence in the broader cultural imagination. Another film was the ‘Rise of the Foot Soldier’ featuring an actor playing notorious ex-West Ham hooligan and east London hard man, Carlton Leach, a friend of Cass Pennant and member of the ICF.
Television has also played a role in representing West Ham. The club is often mentioned in East London-set dramas and soaps such as EastEnders, where characters are frequently depicted as Hammers fans, helping to maintain a sense of local authenticity. The club’s colours, chants, and references to matches are common in scenes involving Queen Vic patrons or Albert Square residents, underscoring how deeply West Ham is woven into the fabric of London’s East End.
In music, West Ham has been referenced by several artists, most notably in the chant “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles,” which is both a terrace anthem and a poignant cultural symbol. The song has been covered and parodied across media, representing the bittersweet hope and heartbreak associated with supporting the club. Other musicians, including fans like singer-songwriter Billy Bragg and actor Ray Winstone, have expressed their allegiance to West Ham in their work or public appearances, adding to the club’s cultural weight.
In sum, West Ham United’s influence extends far beyond football. Its presence in film, television, and music – often linked to themes of loyalty, toughness, and East London identity – has created a powerful cultural mythology around the club. While some of that image is shaped by past associations with hooliganism, it is equally balanced by representations of community, resilience, and tradition.
🏆 Major Honours
Domestic Competitions
-
FA Cup
-
Winners (3): 1963–64, 1974–75, 1979–80
-
Runners-up (2): 1922–23, 2005–06
-
-
FA Charity Shield / Community Shield
-
Shared (1): 1964 (shared with Liverpool)
-
-
Football League Cup / EFL Cup
-
Runners-up (2): 1965–66, 1980–81
-
🌍 European Competitions
-
UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup
-
Winners (1): 1964–65
-
Runners-up (1): 1975–76
-
-
UEFA Europa Conference League
-
Winners (1): 2022–23
-
-
UEFA Intertoto Cup
-
Winners (1): 1999
-
Conclusion
West Ham United is more than just a football club; it is a cultural institution with deep roots in East London. From its industrial beginnings as Thames Ironworks to its current status as a Premier League mainstay, the club has journeyed through trials and triumphs that reflect the changing face of English football. A few years ago the club let go of Moyes and many of the fanbase whilst appreciative of Moyes said the club had somewhat outgrown him and wanted more. Expectations had increased. This could perhaps be compared to Tottenham and how their fans had not only grown accustomed to the success Daniel Levy had brought them but demanded more and became expectant of a league title which they had never won for over half a century. It remains to be seen how West Ham perform in the next few years.
What do you think of West Ham? Leave your comments.