West Ham United was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC by workers of the Thames Ironworks and Shipbuilding Company in East London. The club was created to promote fitness and morale among workers.
In 1900, the club was reformed as West Ham United. From the very beginning, the team represented working-class pride, steel, sweat, and East London identity earning the nickname “The Hammers” and “The Irons.”
The Boleyn Ground Era (1904–2016)
For over a century, West Ham played at the iconic Boleyn Ground (Upton Park). It became one of English football’s most intimidating and passionate stadiums.
During this period, the club experienced:
Promotion to the First Division (1923)
FA Cup triumphs in 1964, 1975, and 1980
League Cup success in 1965
European glory in 1965 (European Cup Winners’ Cup)
The club built a reputation for playing attractive, attacking football — often referred to as “The West Ham Way.”
The Golden Generation (1960s)
West Ham’s greatest era came in the 1960s with legendary players:
Bobby Moore (England’s 1966 World Cup–winning captain)
Geoff Hurst (Scored a hat-trick in the 1966 World Cup final)
Martin Peters
Three West Ham players were key to England’s 1966 World Cup triumph — a historic achievement that elevated the club’s global reputation.
Relegations and Resilience
West Ham’s history hasn’t been smooth. The club suffered multiple relegations (including 2003 and 2011), financial struggles, and ownership controversies.
Yet each time, the Hammers fought back earning promotion and rebuilding their squad around academy talent and smart signings.
The club’s academy became famous for producing stars like:
Frank Lampard
Rio Ferdinand
Joe Cole
This is why West Ham proudly calls itself “The Academy of Football.”
Move to London Stadium (2016–Present)
In 2016, West Ham left Upton Park and moved to the London Stadium, built for the 2012 Olympics. The transition was controversial among fans, but it marked a new financial and commercial era for the club.
European Redemption (2023)
After decades without major silverware, West Ham lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2023 under manager David Moyes defeating Fiorentina in the final.
It was the club’s first major European trophy in 58 years and re-established West Ham as a force on the continental stage.
What West Ham Stands For
Working-class heritage
Passionate East London identity
Youth development excellence
Resilience through crisis
European ambition
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