Handbooks ...

1900 - 01 Official Handbook

Can you help with any information / images regarding the Hammers first ever Handbook?

Lew Bowen G.C. Fundell E.S. King

Fin. Sec and League Delegate Treasurer Sec. Manager

Twelve months ago the West Ham United Football Club came into being. A palpable idea was attached to it and it rang in the ears of the West Ham sport-loving public like the old ballad of “Chevy Chase” upon those of Sir Philip Sydney, stirring their hearts as with the sound of the trumpet. Much was expected of it, and when the fever heat of enthusiasm cooled down the people realised that they had been spending their energies in a pursuit that was not in vain but consoling to the hearts of the most sanguine. The desire to have of their own a club capable of the highest quality of football was everywhere spoken of and demanded. The West Ham public had gradually become educated by a long experience of an inferior but improving class of football until a standard of excellence was established, which could only be satisfied by a team possessing merit equal to the best in the kingdom. The popular taste in football, as in other forms of sport, has changed. The play of years ago, somewhat like the pedlar’s razor – showy but useless – capable of cutting and wounding, but not of serving the particular purpose intended, has been forgotten and its existence at any time can only be excused on the ground that it was the seed from which has sprung the higher order apparent in teams like the West Ham United. It is not given to many Clubs to mark during their first season such a marvellous prosperity as that which has attended the West Ham. The first team achieved sixth place in the Southern League, and gave most creditable performances in the English Cup ties. The reserves were equal to the best in the London League, and had the distinction of winning the fifty guinea championship challenge cup of the South Essex League.