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Extracts from:-
"WHY CLARET & BLUE" by John Helliar - WHU Club Historian, two excellent books written by John Powles "IRON in the BLOOD" and "IRONS of the SOUTH" and also research undertaken by John Northcutt and Grant Hole.
West Ham United Football Club came into existence in July 1900, five years after the formation of its predecessor, Thames Ironworks FC. The works-based team had taken its first steps to becoming a more professional outfit when the management decided to pay wages to team members.
This was against the Victorian ideals of Ironworks Managing Director Arnold Hills, who had originally introduced activity clubs – including the football club – in the mid 1890s.
At 14, Hills had began his education at Harrow School before moving on to University College, Oxford, where he became a renowned athlete. With Harrow’s colour being cobalt blue and Oxford’s being dark blue.
THAMES IRONWORKS
1895 - 1897
At the time of the Thames Iron Works FC move to the newly opened Memorial Grounds in 1896, it would appear from a team group taken at the time, in front of the new clubhouse, the Ironworks side shows them with the West Ham Charity Cup wearing a dark blue strip.At the time of the Thames Iron Works FC move to the newly opened Memorial Grounds in 1896, it would appear from a team group taken at the time, in front of the new clubhouse, the Ironworks side shows them with the West Ham Charity Cup wearing a dark blue strip. The shirt emblem the players are sporting is the "Union Jack" with the letters T I W above. Thames Ironworks played in the City of London league at that time.
1895
1895 - 1896
1895-96 THAMES IRONWORKS
West Ham Charity Cup Winners
THAMES IRONWORKS
1897 - 1898
A report of an away match against Novocastrians in November 1897 states that because of heavy rain causing muddy conditions after half-time
“The Ironworks appeared on the field with brand new white spotless clean knickers and light blue shirts, but before they had been playing long they were covered in mud, to the huge delight of the Novo’s spectators”.
This appears to be the first actual reference in print to the Ironworks’ colours, and a team photo from 1897-98 below seems to confirm this.
1897-98 THAMES IRONWORKS
1897- 1899
THAMES IRONWORKS
1898 - 1899
A second reference to club colours comes at the end of February 1899 when, the club arranged a friendly at Eastbourne FC, who paid professional clubs a fee to visit their Sussex ground. The local newspaper correspondent was full of praise for Ironworks, declaring, after their 3-1 victory.
“A prettier and more distinctive costume than theirs I have never yet seen on a football ground. Light blue shirts, white knickers and scarlet stockings were their colours".
The colours were moving ever closer to the claret and blue West Ham would sport in a few years time.
1899-00 THAMES IRONWORKS
WEST HAM UNITED
1900-01
By the turn of the century and the final season of Thames Ironworks FC’s existence as a team linked to it’s parent company, records reveal that the team colours were red, white and blue with Cambridge blue shorts.
Around the period Arnold Hills was forced to finance a takeover bid by issuing of shares that turned his private family owned company into a public one. West Ham United Football Club, a limited company with 4,000 10 shilling shares, was formed. It is not surprising, therefore, that when the new club came into existence in July 1900 that they should adopt the same colours as their predecessors wearing a light blue strip and black socks.
1900-1901
1900-01 WEST HAM UNITED
The West Ham Guardian dated Saturday 12th January 1901 for the West Ham United v. Liverpool English Cup game reported
"It was just upon time that the light blue shirted Hammers took the field, followed by Liverpool in salmon pink."
Another reference to colours also by the West Ham Guardian dated 13th February 1901 for the Southern League home game against Luton Town for the previous week stated
"West Ham did not play in their colours red, white and blue but in white"
Unfortunately the black and white 1900-01 team group above doesn't give us a clear distinction whether the strip is indeed "white" or "light blue"?
WEST HAM UNITED
1901-02
When Brentford came to Canning Town for the opening home game of the 1901-02 season on 14th September, the West Ham Guardian again proved to be an invaluable source of information stating
"United wore their new uniforms for the first time, blue jerseys with a red band and white knickers and looked conspicuous to say the least"
The strip became known in the press as the “Union Jack”.
1901-1903
1901-02 WEST HAM UNITED
WEST HAM UNITED
1903-04
By the time of the next available photograph of the team, taken in 1903-04, the more familiar colours of claret shirts with light blue trim around the neck and light blue sleeves, white shorts and claret stockings appear to have been adopted. These have become the predominant colours of the Hammers ever since and remained so throughout the remainder of the 20th Century and into the New Millennium.
1903-1904
1903-04 WEST HAM UNITED
1904-1933
Home 1960's
Away 1960's
1964 FA Cup Final
1965 ECWC Final
Cup Winners 1975
1975 FA Cup Final
Worn in 1975-76 season
1976-77 to 1979-80
1976 ECWC Final
Home
1980-81 to 1982-83
Manufacturer: ADIDAS
Sponsor: NONE
Adidas took over the kit production from Admiral at the start of the1980’s. Admiral were highly regarded by Hammers fans, especially the white away kit worn in the 1979-80 FA Cup Final win over London rivals Arsenal. Adidas’ first contempory design won over the Upton Park faithful. Traditional claret style with blue sleeves topped with claret stripes
Shorts: White with three claret side stripes
Socks: White topped off with three claret stripes
Away
1980-81 to 1982-83
Manufacturer: ADIDAS
Sponsor: NONE
West Ham’s first away strip of the decade was a clean classic all white design. Claret V-neck with claret and blue three-stripe trim on the sleeves.
Shorts: Blue with three claret side stripes
Socks: Blue topped off with three claret stripes
Home
1983-84 to 1984-85
Manufacturer: ADIDAS
Sponsor: AVCO TRUST
Adidas’ built on the their first design which still featured light blue sleeves, but now displaying a broad light blue horizontal panel trimmed with white piping. For the better part of 1983-84 season this panel remained blank until Avco Trust became the Hammers first sponsor. A new look club badge depicting the crossed hammers and the club’s initials were also introduced.
Shorts: White with three claret side stripes
Socks: White topped off with three claret stripes
Away
1983-84 to 1984-85
Manufacturer: ADIDAS
Sponsor: AVCO TRUST
Similar in style to the previous offering, slightly remodelled to include pinstripes which were all the rage in the 80’s. As with the home kit, the new club badge was included. The crossed hammers would only last for the lifespan of the kit and was not carried over into future designs.
Shorts: Blue with three claret side stripes
Socks: Blue topped off with three claret stripes
Home
1985-86 to 1986-87
Manufacturer: ADIDAS
Sponsor: AVCO TRUST
In 85-86 the club finished third in Division One, their highest ever placing.
This strip therefore would always be associated with the “Boys of 86” Sleek and stylish in design. Striped V-neck and cuffs with fine light blue horizontal pinstripes.
Shorts: White with three claret side strips and included the club’s initials ‘WHUFC’ and Adidas logo
Socks: White topped off with three claret stripes and Adidas logo
Away
1985-86 to 1986-87
Manufacturer: ADIDAS
Sponsor: AVCO TRUST
Same sophisticated design as the home strip but in white with claret piping and trim. Blue shorts and socks which both included the club’s initils ‘WHUFC’ for the first time completed the outfit. This strip turned out to be last last for Adidas.
Shorts: Blue with three claret side stripes and included the club’s initials ‘WHUFC’ and Adidas logo
Socks: Blue topped off with three claret stripes and Adidas logo
Home
1987-88 to 1988-89
Manufacturer: SCORELINE
Sponsor: AVCO TRUST
With the Adidas deal at an end, smaller sportswear company Scoreline became the club’s new supplier. Large light blue panel ran down each side of the shirt with a shadow pinstripe which ran through the shirt fabric. The club’s crest was placed centrally with the Scoreline logo featured on each sleeve.
Shorts: White with blue side panel, Scoreline logo finished with claret trim and club’s initials ‘WHUFC’
Socks: White topped off with two claret stripes
Away
1987-88 to 1988-89
Manufacturer: SCORELINE
Sponsor: AVCO TRUST
The way kit replicated the design of the home strip with white replacing claret as the primary shirt colour. The shorts and socks like all the Hammers outfits from the 80’s were designed to be worn with either the home or the away shirt.
Shorts: Blue with claret side panel and Scoreline logo finished with white trim and the club’s initials ‘WHUFC’
Socks: Blue topped off with two claret stripes
HOME
1989-90 to 1990-91
Manufacturer: BUKTA
Sponsor: BAC WINDOWS
Bukta, who had in fact produced the Hammers strip in the mid-70s, arrived as kit suppliers in 1989. The shirt had quite a retro feel, combined with modern flair, which saw a return of the favourite blue sleeves, now trimmed with white piping. The 89-90 season saw an earlier Bukta logo included
on the kit before it was updated in 90-91. BAC Windows replaced Avco Trust as sponsors after six years.
Shorts: White with Claret and Blue side panels, Bukta logo and club badge.
Socks: White topped with one blue and one claret stripe.
AWAY
1989-90 to 1990-91
Manufacturer: BUKTA
Sponsor: BAC WINDOWS
The new white away shirt again mirrored the design of the home, with claret piping and a neat claret and blue button-up round neck. As with the home shirt, the fabric featured a small chequerboard shadow pattern comprising a crossed hammers logo.
Shorts: Unusually claret were worn instead of blue. White and blue panels to side with Bukta logo and club badge.
Socks: Blue topped with two caret stripes.
HOME
1991-92 to 1992-93
Manufacturer: BUKTA
Sponsor: BAC WINDOWS (91-92)
DAGENHAM MOTORS (92-93)
Bukta’s second offering was voted the worst-ever kit design worn by the Hammers. White and light blue shoulder flashes, also repeated on the sleeves combined with light blue piping. The baggy fitting shirt with button-down collar complete with the club’s
WHUFC initials. Bukta also introduced the club badge repeated in a shadow pattern. With the club relegated to Division Two in 1992-93 local car dealers Dagenham Motors became the new shirt sponsors.
Shorts: White with Claret and Blue chevron side panels, club badge and Bukta logos to front.
Socks: White topped off with blue an claret stripe
AWAY
1991-92 to 1992-93
Manufacturer: BUKTA
Sponsor: BAC WINDOWS (91-92)
DAGENHAM MOTORS (92-93)
With the club struggling for survival in their first season back in Division One. The Hammers wore an unorthodox blue and white striped away kit. For the first time in over 15 years the club took to the field in an away stripe that wasn’t plain white.
Shorts: Claret with blue and white chevron side panels, club badge and Bukta logos to front.
Socks: Blue topped of with two claret stripes
2nd AWAY
1991-92
Manufacturer: BUKTA
Sponsor: BAC WINDOWS (91-92)
In 1991-92 West Ham for the first time launched a second away strip. A bright pattern of diagonal claret and blue bars topped with an identical shadow pattern to that of the home and away kits. Claret and blue chevrons on the sleeves, and a new collar design was introduced with blue piping which ran from the collar to under the arms.
Shorts: White with Claret and Blue chevron side panels, club badge and Bukta logos to front.
Socks: White topped off with blue an claret stripe
HOME
1993-94 to 1994-95
Manufacturer: PONY
Sponsor: DAGENHAM MOTORS
After four years Bukta were replaced by American sportswear company Pony. Football’s rise in popularity in the early 90’s also saw a rebirth of retro fashions, which strongly influenced the kits of the time. Pony’s first attempt mirrored the classic West Ham designs of the 60s and 70s with a striped crew neck, light blue sleeves and the Pony ‘tick’ trademark shadow pattern running through the shirt and one large ‘tick’ across the chest.
Shorts: White with one claret and two blue ‘tick’ side panels.
Socks: White topped with 3 claret and 2 blue stripes
BOBBY MOORE MEMORIAL MATCH SHIRT
7th March 1994
Manufacturer: PONY
West Ham United v. Premier League XI
BOBBY MOORE MEMORIAL MATCH
Bobby died from bowel cancer in September 1993. The match shirt from Pony was similar to that seasons design, but minus the Pony tick logo across the chest. This memorial game was a fitting tribute to the great man and today the shirt can fetch upwards of £120
AWAY
1993-94 to 1994-95
Manufacturer: PONY
Sponsor: DAGENHAM MOTORS
Pony’s first away strip saw a return to the classic Hammers change strip of the 60s. The shirt was completed by a simple claret crew neck and cuffs to create a brilliant modern restyling of Hammers fans’ favourite away kit.
Shorts: Blue with club badge and Pony logos to front
Socks: Blue topped with 3 claret strips and Pony logo.
2nd AWAY
1994-95 to 1995-96
Manufacturer: PONY
Sponsor: DAGENHAM MOTORS
A new third strip was launched for the 1994-95 campaign. It was quite a development design-wise from any previous Hammers kits – white with claret sleeves and V-neck, trimmed with navy blue. The shirt featured an identical Pony shadow pattern to the home and away kit. The club badge and Pony logos were placed centrally on the shirt.
Shorts: Claret with navy blue trim and side panels that included the Pony logo and club badge.
Socks: Claret topped off with white panel and Pony logo
HOME
1995-96 to 1996-97
Manufacturer: PONY
Sponsor: DAGENHAM MOTORS
Pony delved further into the club’s archives to produce their next home kit. If the last home kit was influenced by the 70’s, this new one, with it’s large old-fashioned collar, was inspired by the Hammers side of the 30s and 40s. To celebrate the club’s centenary, a shadow pattern of bubbles and the number ‘100’ was incorporated throughout the fabric of the shirt. Following the mid-90s trend, the club badge was now housed within an additional shield.
Shorts: White with claret side panels with Pony logo and club badge.
Socks: Claret and blue hoped were worn rather than traditional white.
AWAY
1995-96 & 3rd Strip for 1996-97
Manufacturer: PONY
Sponsor: DAGENHAM MOTORS
The away kit took all the stylings of the home strip – baggier fit, shadow pattern and all – and converted it once again into the classic West Ham away style, albeit in a now slightly deeper shade of blue. As with the home kit, a small version of the Hammers motif was added within the collar. This new kit did not capture the imagination of the fans and was replaced as first choice change strip after just one season
Shorts: Blue shorts with claret side panels. Often worn with the home shirt.
Socks: Blue topped off with one claret stripe.
AWAY
1996-97
Manufacturer: PONY
Sponsor: DAGENHAM MOTORS
The mid-90s saw a strange trend for ecru kits emerge throughout the football world. West Ham were no exception and introduced a new away kit in a curious colour. The shirt was topped with a navy and claret inset collar and navy side panels, which worked well with the amber of the one-off badge design. The move away from traditional bright colours at this time was due to clubs producing kits with replica shirts for fans in mind.
Shorts: Claret with navy side panels with Pony and club badge.
Socks: Navy with two white strips anove the ankle and topped off with Claret.
HOME
1997-98 to 1998-99
Manufacturer: PONY
Sponsor: DR MARTENS
Retro influences were left firmly behind with the next home kit, which featured a new variation on the traditional colours. White was added as trim to the collar and cuffs and a fine shadow stripe was included. Side panel and under-arm panels of Blue completed the kit. After five years, the club’s deal with Dagenham Motors ended and for the majority of the season the shirt was without a sponsor, until footwear giants Dr Martens stepped in towards the end of 1997-98.
Shorts: White with side panels of claret and blue with Pony logo and club badge.
Socks: Claret.
AWAY
1997-98 & 3rd Strip for 1998-99
Manufacturer: PONY
Sponsor: DR MARTENS
A radical revamp of the club’s away kit for 97-98. The shirt remained light blue which included new shadow stripes, but was now trimmed with navy blue and just a hint of claret. Paired with the shorts and socks, it made a very distinctive outfit. As with the home kit, the majority of the season saw the kit unsponsored.
Shorts: Navy blue with light blue side panels, claret waistband. Pony logo and club badge.
Socks: Navy blue topped off with two thin light blue stripes.
AWAY
1998-99
Manufacturer: PONY
Sponsor: DR MARTENS
This all-white outfit, which was worn for one season only, marked the end of the club’s fruitful relationship with Pony. The shirt was really ahead of it’s time with its use of piping combined with underarm and side panels. The shirt also included a neat shadow pinstripe and a small crossed hammers motif below the inset V-neck design.
Shorts: White and edge with claret band at bottom, Pony logo and club badge.
Socks: White topped off with claret and two thin light blue strips.
HOME
1999-00 to 2000-01
Manufacturer: FILA
Sponsor: DR MARTENS
With the deal with Pony completed, Italian company Fila became the club’s new kit supplier in a four-year deal. Their first home kit abandoned the blue sleeves and instead introduced a board light blue band down each sleeve and white vertical piping. The collar also featured an interesting new button design. The shirt fabric featured Fila’s F-Tec fabric, designed to manage perspiration effectively.
Shorts: White with claret side panels and thin blue piping, Fila logo and club badge.
Socks: Claret topped off with blue and two thin claret stripes.
AWAY
1999-00 & 3rd Strip for 2000-01
Manufacturer: FILA
Sponsor: DR MARTENS
Fila’s first away kit was a really unusual design. The shirt was white with navy blue sleeves and sides and incorporated claret panels under each arm – all trimmed with elegant white piping. The collar featured a small inset neck that included a small version of the crossed hammers.
Shorts: Navy blue with thin claret side pipings.
Socks: White topped off with navy blue and two thin claret stripes.
AWAY
2000-01
Manufacturer: FILA
Sponsor: Dr MARTENS
For the first time since their very early days, the club sported an all-navy blue kit. The minimalist design featured white and light blue trim, with the only inclusion of claret being on the club badge.
Shorts: Navy with club badge and Fila logo
Socks: Navy with light blue crossed Hammers and Fila logo
Home
2001-02 to 2002-03
Manufacturer: FILA
Sponsor: Dr MARTENS
Fila introduced two new kits that brought a back to basics approach to the club’s on the field fashion. The new home kit saw the appearance of a wrap-over neck and the return of traditional blue sleeves. A small Fila logo was included on the left sleeve to indicate the shirt’s light and breathable F-Tec fabric.
Shorts: White with club badge and Fila logo
Socks: The previous home kit’s change white socks were the new first choice.
Away
2001-02 and 3rd Strip 2002-03
Manufacturer: FILA
Sponsor: Dr MARTENS
Fila revived the classic West Ham away kit – blue shirts with two horizontal claret stripes – much to the delight of the fans. For the 2002-03 campaign the shirt was used as the third kit.
Shorts: Light blue with club badge and Fila logo, occasionally worn with the home shirt
Socks: Light blue with claret crossed Hammers and Fila logo
Away
2002-03
Manufacturer: FILA
Sponsor: Dr MARTENS
This seasons away offering saw the return of some elements from 80’s football fashion, and this pinstriped Hammers shirt was a perfect example. This was the last kit to be produced for the club by Fila, who decided to pull out of football kit design at this time despite having produced some brilliant and highly individual outfits.
Shorts: Claret with white side panels, club badge and Fila logo
Socks: Claret topped off with two white stripes and Fila logo
Home
2003-04 to 2004-05
Manufacturer: REEBOK
Sponsor: JOBSERVE.COM
Reebok arrived at Upton Park as the new kit supplier in 03-04 and their first home design was a very hi-tech affair including Reebok’s Play Dry fabric, designed to keep players drier and more comfortable. The sleeves featured sleek triangular blue panels. Recruitment agency jobserve.com replaced Dr. Martens as club sponsor.
Shorts: White with club badge and Reebok logo.
Socks: White topped off with half blue panel and claret stripe, club initials and Reebok logo
Away
2003-04
Manufacturer: REEBOK
Sponsor: JOBSERVE.COM
Keen to make an impact Reebok ditched tradition to create an innovative and intimidating all-navy blue away kit. Unlike the previous navy design, the Play Dry fabric was trimmed with amber and included reversed seams and a minimal contemporary neck.
Shorts: Navy blue with amber trim, club badge and Reebok logo.
Socks: Navy blue topped off with one amber stripe, club initials and Reebok logo
Away
2004-05 and 3rd Strip 2005-06
Manufacturer: REEBOK
Sponsor: JOBSERVE.COM
The old favourite West Ham shirt returned in 04-05, although now dramatically updated with Reebok’s latest house style. The shirt included breathable claret fabric panels on the shoulders and under the arms and, instead of the traditional two claret hoops, a modern design was preferred.
Shorts: Blue with dynamic claret side panels, club badge with Reebok logo
Socks: Blue with a complex claret trim on the sock turnovers.
Home
2005-06 to 2006-07
Manufacturer: REEBOK
Sponsor: JOBSERVE.COM
The Hammers’ home kit for 05-06 was premiered in the Play-Off final against Preston North End at the Millennium Stadium. At first glance the asymmetric sleeves and trim looked unusual, but the design has been cunningly crafted to accentuate body size and performance, creating a very contemporary and challenging outfit.
Shorts: White with small blue triangle side panels, club badge and Reebok logo
Socks: White topped off with one vertical claret stripe, club initials and Reebok logo.
Away
2005-06
Manufacturer: REEBOK
Sponsor: JOBSERVE.COM
In a colour scheme reminiscent of the Fila away kit of 1999-00, Reebok introduced this navy and white affair for West Ham’s return to the Premiership. Neat navy underarm sleeve panels are combined with intricate stitching, a typical Reebok neck and claret panels running along the seam.
Shorts: Navy blue with white stripe side panel, club badge and Reebok logo
Socks: Navy blue topped off with one vertical claret stripe, club initials and Reebok logo.
F.A. Cup Final 2006
Away
2006-07
Manufacturer: REEBOK
Sponsor: JOBSERVE.COM
This last offering from Reebok coincided with West Ham's most controversial season ever with the "Carlos Tevez" affair and the Hammers avoiding relegation on the very last day of the campaign. This was Reebok's second navy blue away kit for the club. Various thicknesses of verticle shadow strips across the front. For the first time on an away strip a white V-neck collar was introduced, along with a white flash across the under-sleeve, topped off with two thin light blue trims. The traditional Reebok logo was replaced with RbK.
Shorts: Navy blue with two white stripe side panel, club badge and RbK logo
Socks: Navy blue topped off with one light blue stripe, club initials and RbK logo.
Home
2007-08
Manufacturer: UMBRO
Sponsor: XL.com
The Hammers "Greatest Escape" Premiership status intact from the previous campaign. Umbro were appoint the new club kit suppliers for 2007-08. Umbro went back to the more traditional style associated with the Hammers kits of old, but with a more up-to-date style design. Embroidered Hammers badge detail. Round neckline in claret, white and blue, reversed colours to behind. Ventilation was through the "trilogy" climate control initiative side panel featuring a motif “Y” pattern with repeated club crest.
Shorts: White with claret side panel and two blue diamonds, club crest and Umbro logo
Socks: White with one claret vertical stripe, club crest and Umbro logo
"trilogy" ventilation side panels
Away
2007-08
Manufacturer: UMBRO
Sponsor: XL.com
Umbro first away design was an all white affair, with the same shoulder flashes used in the home version. Manufactures often try to incorporate their own logos wherever possible, and this kit is no exception. Two vertical claret diamond shapes adorn each shoulder.
Shorts: Claret with blue side panel and two blue diamonds, club crest and Umbro logo
Socks: Claret with one vertical white stripe and Umbro logo
Goalkeeper
2007-08
Manufacturer: UMBRO
Sponsor: XL.com
Umbro's goalkeeper shirt was a combination of both "home" and "away" designs above, but in two different shades of green.
Shorts: Green with white diamond side shapes, club badge and Umbro logo.
Socks: White, topped with green and Umbro logo.
AWAY
Shirt: Black with vertical grey and black sleeves.
Shorts: Black with white diamond side shapes, club badge and Umbro logo.
Socks White, topped with black and Umbro logo.
Have you un-locked the secret of the Umbro Kit?
The three new Umbro Hammers kits feature a series of "Morse Code" Dots and Dashes....
Codes can be found on the sleeves of all three shirts as a series of indents woven into the fabric.
Can you un-lock the hidden code?
THE CODE:
THE CLUES:
My thanks to Luke Avenell for helping me solve the Code.
