PREMIER LEAGUE CLUB GUIDE
West Ham United
NICKNAME
The Hammers / The Irons
FOUNDED
1895
STADIUM
London Stadium (capacity: 62,500)
CITY
Stratford, East London
COLOURS
Claret and blue
CURRENT MANAGER
Club History
West Ham United have a special place in English football history — they were the club that produced Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters, three of the key figures in England’s 1966 World Cup win. Founded as the Thames Ironworks in 1895, they have spent most of their history as a mid-table club but one with genuine football culture and tradition. The move from Upton Park to the London Stadium in 2016 was controversial — many fans felt the atmosphere suffered enormously. They won the Europa Conference League in 2023 under David Moyes.
Known For
Producing the heroes of 1966 — Bobby Moore (captain), Geoff Hurst (hat-trick), Martin Peters (goal) all played for West Ham
The Academy of Football — their reputation for developing skilful, technical players
Upton Park — their old ground, beloved and atmospheric, that they left in 2016
The London Stadium — controversial, soulless to many fans but a financial necessity
Europa Conference League winners 2023 — their first European trophy since 1965
Key Players to Watch
Jarrod Bowen — Forward
In the England World Cup squad and West Ham’s most important attacking player. Energetic, direct and capable of winning games. Has improved dramatically in the last two seasons.
Mohammed Kudus — Attacking midfielder/Forward
Ghana international who joined from Ajax. Explosive, creative and one of the Premier League’s most exciting players when at his best.
Stadium Guide
The London Stadium (formerly the Olympic Stadium) was converted for football use in 2016. Capacity 62,500 — one of England’s largest. The athletics track between fans and the pitch has always created a distance issue for atmosphere. West Ham fans who loved Upton Park have found it difficult to embrace.
Major Honours
FA Cup: 3. League Cup: 0. European: 1 (Conference League 2023). Intertoto Cup: 1.
Rivals
Millwall (fiercest south/east London rivalry), Tottenham, Arsenal, Charlton Athletic.