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West Ham United

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West Ham United
ClubnameWest Ham United
Founded1895 (as Thames Ironworks)
GroundLondon Stadium
Capacity62,500
ChairmanDavid Sullivan
ManagerJulen Lopetegui
LeaguePremier League

West Ham United is a professional football club based in Stratford, London, competing in the Premier League. Founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks F.C., the club reformed as West Ham United in 1900 and has been a mainstay of English football, renowned for its academy and passionate support. The club's identity is deeply tied to its East End roots, its historic Boleyn Ground home, and a style of play often celebrated as the "West Ham Way."

History

The club's origins lie with the Thames Ironworks and Shipbuilding Company, with the works team forming in 1895 under the guidance of foreman and local league referee Dave Taylor and owner Arnold Hills. After turning professional and facing financial difficulties, the club was relaunched as West Ham United in 1900, moving to the Boleyn Ground in 1904. The club gained prominence under the management of Ted Fenton in the 1950s, achieving promotion and reaching the 1956 FA Cup final. The most celebrated era began under Ron Greenwood and his successor John Lyall, which yielded the club's major trophies: the FA Cup in 1964, 1975, and 1980, and the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1965. This period also featured legendary players like Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, and Martin Peters, all key figures in England's 1966 World Cup triumph. The club experienced relegations and promotions throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with a notable period under manager Harry Redknapp and a memorable run to the 2006 UEFA Cup Final under Alan Pardew. A new chapter began with the move to the London Stadium in 2016, preceding a period of growth that culminated in victory in the 2023 UEFA Europa Conference League under manager David Moyes.

Stadium

From 1904 to 2016, the club played at the Boleyn Ground (commonly known as Upton Park) in Newham. In 2016, the club relocated to the London Stadium in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park as part of the legacy of the 2012 Summer Olympics. The move, which followed a contentious bidding process against Tottenham Hotspur, significantly increased matchday capacity but initially faced criticism over spectator distance from the pitch and atmosphere. The stadium is owned by the London Legacy Development Corporation and is also used by UK Athletics.

Players

The club is famed for its prolific youth academy, known as the "Academy of Football", which has produced numerous England internationals. World Cup winners Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, and Martin Peters are the most illustrious graduates. Other notable academy products and key players across eras include Trevor Brooking, Paul Ince, Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick, and Declan Rice. The club has also been home to celebrated foreign talents such as Paolo Di Canio, Dimitri Payet, and Jarrod Bowen. The men's first team is currently managed by Julen Lopetegui.

Honours

The club's major honours include three FA Cup titles (1964, 1975, 1980), one European Cup Winners' Cup (1965), and one UEFA Europa Conference League (2023). They were also winners of the Intertoto Cup in 1999. Domestic secondary honours include the Second Division title in 1958 and 1981, and the Championship play-off final in 2005 and 2012.

Rivalries

The club's primary rivalry is with Millwall, originating from their historical roots as rival shipyard and dockyard companies in the 19th century; matches are known as the Dockers derby. A strong local rivalry also exists with Tottenham Hotspur. Other significant rivalries include those with Chelsea and Arsenal, stemming from London proximity and frequent top-flight competition.

The club is intrinsically linked to the culture of East London. Its supporters are famously referenced in the 1979 film Quadrophenia and the club features prominently in the BBC television series Green Street. The club's anthem, "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles", is a globally recognized terrace song. Notable celebrity supporters include actors Ray Winstone and Russell Brand, television personalities James Corden and Danny Dyer, and musician Rod Stewart.

Category:Association football clubs in London Category:Premier League clubs