Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about West Ham United.
What is West Ham United and where is it based?
West Ham United is a professional football club rooted in the East End of London, originally founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks by workers at a local shipyard. They currently compete in the English Premier League and draw support primarily from the London Borough of Newham.
Where do West Ham play their home games?
Since 2016 the club has used the London Stadium in Stratford, the same venue that hosted the 2012 Olympic Games. Before that move they called the Boleyn Ground at Upton Park home for more than 110 years, a stadium that remains deeply sentimental to supporters.
What nickname do West Ham supporters use and why?
The team is widely known as The Hammers or The Irons, a direct reference to the club's origins in the iron and steel trades of the East End. Fans often refer to themselves simply as Hammers.
Who are the most iconic figures associated with the club?
Bobby Moore, who captained England to the 1966 World Cup title, is the most celebrated player in the club's history. Mark Noble holds the record for the most appearances and was the last player to wear the number 4 shirt for the team before his retirement.
What are West Ham's main rivalries?
The fiercest local fixture is the East London Derby against Millwall, a rivalry that stretches back decades and is marked by intense atmosphere. They also share a prominent London Derby with Tottenham Hotspur, which regularly draws large crowds and heated debate.
What major trophies has West Ham won?
The 1980 FA Cup final victory over Everton is the club's most celebrated domestic triumph. In European competition they lifted the Mitropa Cup in 1965 and, more recently, the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2023 after a penalty-shootout win over Fiorentina.
What colours does West Ham wear and why are they distinctive?
The club's traditional kit is a claret shirt paired with blue shorts, a combination they have kept since the early 1900s. These colours set them apart from the reds and blues worn by most other London clubs.
Who manages West Ham and what is his connection to the club?
David Moyes returned to the managerial seat in May 2023 after a previous spell in charge from 2006 to 2010. His familiarity with the club's culture and the East End community made his second appointment a natural fit for the board and fans.
What is considered the single most iconic moment in the club's history?
Many supporters point to the 1980 FA Cup final, where a modest East End side beat Everton 2-1 at Wembley in front of a record crowd. The 2023 Europa Conference League final in Copenhagen is increasingly cited as the defining modern achievement.
Where should a new fan start to understand West Ham's identity?
Reading about the 1895 Foundation and the club's working-class East End roots provides essential context for why the team feels different from other London sides. Following the history of the Boleyn Ground and the 2016 move to the London Stadium also helps explain the emotional core of the fanbase.