To Be Number One
Forever chasing the summit, never losing hope.
To Be Number One is more than a motto at West Ham United—it's a defiant, decades-old heartbeat. It pulses through the stands at the London Stadium, from the claret-and-blue scarves raised in unison to the roar that follows a last-minute winner. Born from the club's gritty origins as Thames Ironworks, this phrase encapsulates a relentless refusal to settle, a belief that every season, every tackle, every chant is a step toward something greater. It's the quiet fire that has carried the Hammers from the shipyards to the Premier League, binding generations in a shared, stubborn dream.
- character
- Club Motto
- role
- Unofficial Slogan
- affiliation
- West Ham United FC
- first_appears
- Late 20th century
- status
- Active
Lore & Background
The phrase 'To Be Number One' captures the spirit of West Ham United's journey from a works team to a beloved institution. It emerged during a period when the club sought to define its ambitions beyond mere survival, aiming for top-flight success and cup glory. This motto resonates with the club's famous Academy of Football, which produced legends like Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, and Martin Peters, who embodied the drive to be the best on the world stage. The 1965 European Cup Winners' Cup triumph and the 1966 World Cup victory for England, with three Hammers in the squad, are seen as vindications of this ethos.
In Their Own Story
The rain fell hard on the Boleyn Ground, but the chant grew louder: 'To Be Number One!' It was a cold December evening in 1986, and West Ham were locked in a fierce battle with Everton. The crowd, drenched but defiant, roared as Tony Cottee latched onto a through ball. For a moment, time slowed—the keeper advanced, the net beckoned. The ball hit the back of the net, and the stadium erupted. That night, the Hammers climbed the table, and the dream of being number one felt tangible, if only for a fleeting moment. The chant didn't stop after the final whistle; it followed fans into the rain-soaked streets of Green Street, a promise whispered against the wind.
Reader's Guide
The 1985-86 season stands as a defining chapter in West Ham United's history, a time when the club truly embodied the 'To Be Number One' spirit. Under manager John Lyall, the Hammers assembled a squad of homegrown talent and shrewd signings, including the dynamic strike partnership of Tony Cottee and Frank McAvennie. The season began with modest expectations, but a blistering run of form saw the team challenge for the First Division title. Key moments included a memorable 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield and a dominant 4-0 thrashing of Manchester United at Upton Park. The defense, marshaled by Alvin Martin and Ray Stewart, was resolute, while the midfield, led by Alan Devonshire, provided creativity. West Ham finished third, their highest league position since 1923, just two points behind champions Liverpool. This near-miss cemented the club's reputation as a top-flight force and reinforced the belief that with perseverance, they could one day be number one.
Did You Know?
- The phrase 'To Be Number One' is often associated with the club's unofficial anthem, 'I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles,' which speaks to the eternal hope of achieving greatness.
- West Ham's highest league finish in the top flight remains third place, achieved in 1985-86 and 1923-24.
- The club's Academy of Football has produced more England internationals than any other club outside the traditional 'Big Six.'
- The 1965 European Cup Winners' Cup victory made West Ham the first English club to win a major European trophy.
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