West Ham United began their existence as Thames Iron Works FC and were formed by the workers of the shipping company in 1895. They entered the FA Cup in their first ever season and the London League in their second.
In June 1900 the club were wound up and a month later were reformed under the name West Ham United FC, taking on professional players.
However despite their history the Hammers didn't play their first Football League fixture until 1919 when they were elected into Division Two. And, on 30 August the Irons drew 1-1 at Lincoln City in their first ever competitive league fixture.
West Ham United have flirted with top flight since then but have never dropped out of Division Two (now Championship). Although arguably the Hammers should (in many fans eyes) be currently playing the likes of Barnsley and Preston North End after the Premier League committee decided against deducting points after the Carlos Tevez affair which in turn would have relegated them.
And as we all know due to the club only receiving a £5.5M fine the Londoners stayed up whilst the Blades; who lost 2-1 at home to Wigan Athletic on the final day of the season were condemned to the Championship.
Club Guide
Team: West Ham United |
Stadium and Pitch: 7/10
Upton Park looked somewhat like a tardis inside, the ground didn't look like a 33,500 capacity stadium at all. Away fans were housed in the Centenary Stand behind goal which a two tiered stand to the right of us whilst on the left was an old rickety stand which should be replaced.
At the other end of the pitch was a stand similar to the one the visitors were placed in with two tiers to house the home fans. I always find trips to the capital city somewhat tiring and because of the long journeys would have to think twice about making the trip; I'm not fully sure yet if I would travel to Upton Park again.
Programme: 5/10
The WestHamUnited programme cost a staggering £3.50 and 64 pages you get very little content that is worth reading. I would imagine it is difficult to create a programme that's good on the eye to the visiting support and any neutral fans attending but I believe once you get the visitors section alright you are on your way to a good programme.
At the time United travelled to London the Hammers had seen their chairman Terry Brown sell their beloved club to Icelandic Eggbert Magnusson which features an interview with the new man in charge.
In the away section a lengthily interview with both Claude Davis and Neil Warnock fills up four pages between them whilst the player profiles only feature three key players (Phil Jagielka, Rob Hulse and Keith Gillespie) as well as a little mention on the last time the two sides met.
One interesting feature was a quiz (twelve questions) relating to matches between the Hammers and the Blades - something both sets of fans could take part in.
Performance and Result: 7/10
West Ham United 1-0 Sheffield United: The Blades didn't travel well during the 2006-07 Premier League season and only gained three victories (Watford, Newcastle United and Wigan Athletic) on their travels and this fixture wasn't going to be one of them, though United should have returned to Bramall Lane with a point to shown of themselves.
Defender Hayden Mullens headed home from a corner in the first half of the game but referee Mark Halsey got it wrong when after a free-kick in the last minute the Blades (via Robert Kozluk) turned the ball home only for the official to wrongly disallowed a perfect goal for a foul on the keeper - which was committed by his own defender!
Atmosphere: 8/10
The Hammers sang their favourite anthem 'I'm forever blowing bubbles...' whilst the visitors sang their anthem ' Greasy chip butty...' and for the first 15 minutes or so both sets of fans exchanged chanting and after that the home crowed calmed down until they scored.
Overall: 27/40
:: Previous Visits to Boleyn Ground ::
- 25.11.2006 - West Ham United 1-0 Sheffield United