Thames Ironworks F.C. 1896-1897

"With reference to the forthcoming season, it has been decided to enter for the English Cup, London Senior Cup, West Ham Charity Cup, South Essex League senior and junior and if possible, one or two others. There will be very few dates left open for "friendly" matches, so it ought to be a good thing for the club financially." - Thames Iron Works Gazette

However, the most significant competition that Thames Ironworks F.C. would enter that season would be the London League, even though the West Ham area was still officially part of Essex at the time.

It was a seamless transition for the club to make as Thames Ironworks and Shipbuilding Co. Ltd owner Arnold Hills was also president of the London League, and along with Thames Ironworks F.C. committee chairman Francis Payne, helped to draft the competition's rules.

New signings for the season included Reading F.C. players H. Rossiter, Edward Hatton, Davie and Holmes, as well as many more Thames Iron Works employees that still provided the core of the team.

In their first ever competitive league fixture in the London League, staged at the Hermit Road ground, on 19 September 1896 Thames Ironworks beat the Vampires 3-0.

The following month, "The Irons" went out in the FA Cup first qualifying round for the second year running, losing 0-8 away to Kent Southern League team Sheppey United on 10 October 1897.

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