West Ham United

Founding and early years (1895-1900)
West Ham United was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks Football Club. After changing their name to West Ham United in 1900, the club began their journey in the Football League. The club was still small at the time, but the foundations for future success had been laid.

Rise to the top (1900-1960)
West Ham’s greatest successes came in the 1960s, when they won the FA Cup in 1964 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1965 with a team led by legends such as Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters. These successes helped establish West Ham as one of the most respected teams in English football.

Highs and lows (1970-1990)
While the club continued to play in the top flight and won the FA Cup in 1975, West Ham often struggled for consistency in the 1970s and 1980s, unable to repeat their earlier triumphs.

Ups and downs (1990-present)
West Ham have had many ups and downs in recent decades. The club have failed to win the Premier League, but have often played a significant role in English football. Under a number of different managers and with a number of talented players, West Ham United have remained a club to be reckoned with.

West Ham may not be one of the biggest names in international football, but they never fail to impress with remarkable moments. From historic victories to unforgettable performances, West Ham have captured the hearts of their fans time and time again, establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League.

Most appearances in a West Ham United shirt

Billy Bonds tops the list for the Hammers. The tough defender-turned-manager made 799 appearances for West Ham and won two FA Cups with the club. His tough but fair style of play made him a legend in London’s East End.

01 Billy Bonds – 799 matches
02 Frank Lampard – 670 matches
03 Bobby Moore – 647 matches
04 Trevor Brooking – 643 matches
05 Alvin Martin – 596 matches
06 Mark Noble – 550 matches
07 Jimmy Ruffell – 548 matches
08 Steve Potts – 506 matches
09 Vic Watson – 505 matches
10 Geoff Hurst – 504 matches

Most goals in a West Ham United shirt

West Ham may be known as a working-class club, but that doesn’t mean they’re lacking in world-class strikers. From Upton Park to the London Stadium, some of England’s finest strikers have made their mark on the club’s history. To this dayn West Ham United’s all-time leading goalscorer remains Vic Watson, who netted 326 goals for the club between 1920 and 1935.

01 Vic Watson – 203 goals
02 Geoff Hurst – 181 goals
03 Tony Cottee – 116 goals
04 Jimmy Ruffell – 113 goals
05 Martin Peters – 81 goals
06 Johnny Byrne – 79 goals
07 John Dick – 77 goals
08 Trevor Brooking – 71 goals
09 Bryan Robson – 70 goals
10 Michail Antonio – 68 goals