Playing Kit : Thames Ironworks ...

Season 1895-1896

Shirts: Shorts: Socks: All Oxford Blue

All Oxford blue, There's no primary source for Oxford blue other than black & white photographs and the fact that Arnold Hills played for both Harrow School and Oxford University in Oxford blue kit

There are conflicting reports for this season, some saying Oxford blue, some saying light blue shirt, white shorts, scarlet socks. There are no photographs from 1896-97 and there are no written reports either, but we do know that the light blue shirt kit was worn season 1897-98 so it's the time of change from Oxford blue to light blue that's in doubt.

Season 1897-1898

Shirts: Light blue, Shorts: White, Socks: Scarlet, Cap & Sash: Scarlet

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.

Season 1898-1899

Shirts: Light blue, Shorts: White, Socks: Scarlet

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.

Season 1899-1900

Shirts: Castle blue, Shorts: White, Socks: Vermillion