West Ham United
West Ham United’s claret-and-blue identity grew from the shipyards of East London. From Thames Ironworks and the Boleyn Ground to London Stadium, the Hammers have built a history shaped by cup triumphs, European nights and a celebrated tradition of developing footballers.
Born from Thames Ironworks
The club’s roots reach back to 1895, when Thames Ironworks FC was created as the works team of the Thames Ironworks and Shipbuilding Company in Canning Town. The original team was wound up in 1900 before being reorganised and renamed West Ham United.
The industrial heritage remains visible in the crossed hammers on the badge and in the nicknames “The Hammers” and “The Irons”. It also anchors West Ham’s identity firmly in the communities of East London.
Wembley Triumphs and European Glory
West Ham have won the FA Cup three times, lifting the trophy in 1964, 1975 and 1980. The last of those victories came against Arsenal and remains especially notable because the Hammers were playing outside the top flight at the time.
The 1964 FA Cup success opened the door to Europe. In May 1965, West Ham defeated TSV 1860 Munich 2–0 at Wembley to win the European Cup Winners’ Cup, with Alan Sealey scoring both goals.
A New Generation of European Champions
West Ham returned to the European winners’ list on 7 June 2023. The Hammers beat Fiorentina 2–1 in Prague to win the UEFA Europa Conference League, completing an unbeaten campaign in the competition.
Saïd Benrahma scored from the penalty spot before Jarrod Bowen ran onto Lucas Paquetá’s pass and struck the decisive 90th-minute winner. It was West Ham’s first major trophy since the 1980 FA Cup.
Bobby Moore
Developing Players the West Ham Way
West Ham are widely associated with the phrase “The Academy of Football”. The reputation was built through generations of homegrown players, from Moore, Hurst and Peters to later internationals including Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick and Declan Rice.
The phrase represents more than a list of famous graduates. For supporters, it reflects an expectation that young players should receive opportunities and play with technical quality, courage and an understanding of the club.
From the Boleyn Ground to London Stadium
West Ham played at the Boleyn Ground, often called Upton Park, from 1904 until 2016. Its tight stands, floodlit nights and East London setting made it central to the club’s identity for more than a century.
The Hammers moved to London Stadium in Stratford in summer 2016. The venue, originally built for the 2012 Olympic Games, has a football matchday capacity of 62,500 and has hosted the club’s recent domestic and European campaigns.
Claret and Blue
Claret shirts with blue sleeves form West Ham United’s classic home identity. The balance of the colours, collar styles, sleeve treatments, sponsors and manufacturers has changed repeatedly, but claret and blue remain instantly associated with the Hammers.
This FanFile covers West Ham as a club rather than one particular jersey. Check the crest, sponsor, manufacturer label and product code on your own shirt to identify its specific season and edition.
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