WEST HAM UNITED
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Collectables through the Decade
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
A Pictorial History
1922-23 Football League (Second Division)
Manager: Syd King
The Hammers began the season with high hopes of achieving promotion to the First Division. With this in mind Syd King made a few significant new signings. Inside-forward Billy Moore came from Sunderland in addition to wingers Dick Richards and William Charlton. However, things did not go to plan as the Hammers made a disastrous start, with West Ham winning just three of their opening 14 matches with Billy Moore scoring twice against Rotherham in a 4–0 victory and Vic Watson doing the same in a 2–0 win against Blackpool. After losing 3–1 at Leeds on 4 November the Hammers went on an amazing run where they only lost one game in 36 league and cup matches. Unlike previous seasons, the team were winning away games. Watson scored a hat-trick at Coventry in a 3–1 victory, Billy Moore scored three at Leicester in a remarkable 6–0 win, then in successive away matches Vic Watson scored six goals in total as Crystal Palace were beaten 5–1 followed by a 5–2 win against Bury.
On the final day of the season West Ham were top of the league on goal difference from Leicester City and Notts County. The Hammers were at home to Notts County, while Leicester played Bury. At the Boleyn Ground it was a tense affair as County scored after seven minutes and held on to win 1–0. There was dejection at Upton Park until the news came through that Leicester had also lost 1–0. Then there were joyous scenes as the supporters celebrated promotion to the First Division.
The FA Cup also brought fame as the Hammers reached the final, which was the first to be played at the new Wembley Stadium. In earlier rounds Hull City, Brighton, Plymouth and Southampton were beaten to set up a semi-final against Derby County at Stamford Bridge. Before a crowd of 50,795, Derby were overwhelmed as the Hammers won 5–2 with two goals each from Billy Moore and Billy Brown, and one from Jimmy Ruffell. The FA Cup final with Bolton Wanderers was to become famous for events off the pitch rather than the game itself. Thousands of fans climbed the gates to get in and descended on the pitch. There were chaotic scenes as police and officials tried to control the crowds and clear the area, with the now-legendary ‘white horse’ prominent in the proceedings. The match itself was ruined as a spectacle as on occasions the crowd around the touchline spilled on to the pitch. The Bolton team handled the conditions better, scored after two minutes and eventually won 2–0. In any event it had been an excellent campaign in winning promotion and taking part in the first ever Wembley Cup Final.
Note:
Players in BOLD made their debuts for West Ham United
BRADFORD CITY
Upton Park
1 - 2 (Watson)
26 August 1922
Att: 27,000
Hufton
Hodgson
GEORGE HORLER
Allen
Kay
Bishop
WILLIAM CHARLTON
CHARLES CROSSLEY
Watson
WILLIAM MOORE
DICK RICHARDS
REPORT:
DERBY COUNTY
Upton Park
0 0
28 August 1922
Att: 16,000
Hufton
Hodgson
Hebden
Allen
Kay
Tresadern
Charlton
Crossley
Watson
Moore
Richards
REPORT:
BRADFORD CITY
Valley Parade
1 - 0 (Ruffell)
2 September 1922
Att: 20,000
Hufton
Hodgson
Hebden
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Charlton
DICK BURGESS
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
DERBY COUNTY
Baseball Ground
1 - 2 (Moore)
4 September 1922
Att: 9,000
Hufton
Hodgson
Hebden
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Charlton
Burgess
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
ROTHERHAM COUNTY
Upton Park
4 - 0 (Moore 2, Ruffell, Watson)
9 September 1922
Att: 14,000
Hufton
Hodgson
Hebden
Allen
Bishop
Tresadern
Charlton
Robinson
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
ROTHERHAM COUNTY
Millmoor
2 - 2 (Robinson, Watson)
16 September 1922
Att: 9,000
Hufton
Hodgson
Hebden
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Charlton
Robinson
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
Rotherham came very near turning the tables on West Ham at Millmoor, and it must be said the visitors were a trifle fortunate in getting away with a point, although they showed more polish and finish than Rotherham did.
West Ham started with great confidence, and largely monopolised the exchanges during the first half-hour. Where they failed was in their inability to turn to advantage many good openings. Had that been done they would have crossed over with a more substantial Iead than the goal scored by Watson after 20 minutes' play.
Rotherham were the aggressors for the greater portion of the second half. Cleverly worked goals by Pape and Proctor rewarded their persistence, but four minutes from the finish Robinson, fastening on to a short pass from Watson, equalised during a scrimmage in goal.
The attack on both sides was largely dominated by defence. The visitors’ forwards, although they gave occasional glimpses of cohesion, never settled down properly, finding the harassing tactics of the home halves very disconcerting. Watson was a good leader, but he was too closely watched by Pickin to get many chances. The wing-men were inclined to run too far before centring, and the best work came from Ruffell and Robinson. Kay was a dominant figure in the middle line, and Hufton brilliant in goal.
Rotherham gave a trial to Chappell, a left-back, new to League football, who, after a shaky opening, played a great game. Lounds, Cook, and Crichton were prominent in an attack that was always dangerous, and Pickin was largely responsible for the breaking up of the Hammers' attack.
STOCKPORT COUNTY
Upton Park
0 - 1
23 September 1922
Att: 15,000
Hufton
Hodgson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Charlton
Robinson
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
STOCKPORT COUNTY
Edgeley Park
1 - 2 (Moore [pem])
30 September 1922
Att: 16,000
Hufton
Hodgson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Charlton
Brown
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
SOUTHAMPTON
Upton Park
1 - 1 (Crossley)
7 October 1922
Att: 20,000
Hufton
Hebden
Henderson
Carter
Kay
Tresadern
Bishop
Allen
Watson
Crossley
Moore
REPORT:
SOUTHAMPTON
The Dell
0 - 2
14 October 1922
Att; 17,000
Hufton
Hebden
Henderson
Brown
Carter
Tresadern
Richards
Watson
Williams
Crossley
Moore
REPORT:
BLACKPOOL
Upton park
2 - 0 (Watson 2)
21 October 1922
Att: 18,000
Hufton
Hodgson
Henderson
Carter
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Moore
Watson
Crossley
Ruffell
REPORT:
CHELSEA : London Challenge Cup (First Round)
Stamford Bridge
3 - 1 (Moore, Ruffell, Watson)
23 October 1922
Att: ?
Hufton
Hodgson
Henderson
Carter
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Moore
Watson
Crossley
Ruffell
West Ham gave Chelsea something of a shock at Stamford Bridge by defeating them decisively. West Ham won on their merits, as Chelsea were strongly represented. The latter, however, played scrappy football, where as, West Ham strove hard for success from beginning to end. the West Ham forwards have not combined better this season, and they were ably assisted by the half-backs, who were equally good in attack as in defence. The Chelsea defence overcame the attempts of the eager West Ham forwards to score for some time, but eventually Watson broke clean through and scored with a terrific shot. A minute later Richards contributed a fine single-handed run, and turned the ball across the mouth of the goal for Ruffell to score the second goal. Haywood reduced the deficit with a fine shot from 20 yards range, but any doubt as to the result was settled in the second half when Moore put into the empty goal after Ruffell had drawn the back and goalkeeper.
BLACKPOOL
Bloomfield Road
1 - 4 (Moore)
28 October 1922
Att: 14,000
Hufton
Hodgson
Henderson
Carter
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Moore
Watson
Crossley
Ruffell
REPORT:
LEEDS UNITED
Elland Road
1 - 3 (Moore)
4 November 1922
Att: 12,000
Hufton
Hodgson
Henderson
Carter
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Moore
Watson
Crossley
Ruffell
REPORT:
CLAPTON ORIENT : London Challenge Cup (2nd Round)
Upton Park
3 - 1 (Moore, Watson, Galbraith [og])
6 November 1922
Att: ?
Hufton
Hebden
Henderson
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Moore
Watson
Crossley
Ruffell
West Ham, by beating Clapton Orient 3-1 at Upton Park, are now in the semi-final of the London Challenge Cup. The game was spoilt by unworthy tactics of some of the players, four of whom at least should have received marching orders. Wood, the Orient goalkeeper, had both his ankles so badly injured that he had to be carried off long before the end. This was the more unfortunate because Wood had been well in the limelight. West Ham revelled in the heavy going, and for the greater part of the time were attacking. There was no scoring until a few seconds before the interval, when Moore opened for West Ham. The home lead was added to in the second half, when Galbraith put through his own goal, while Watson obtained the third goal, Gillatt scored for the Orient.
Gate receipts: £327
LEEDS UNITED
Upton Park
0 - 0
11 November 1922
Att: 15,000
Hufton
Hebden
Henderson
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Moore
Watson
Crossley
Ruffell
REPORT:
CLAPTON ORIENT
Upton Park
1 - 0 (Watson)
18 November 1922
Att: 20,000
Hufton
Hebden
Henderson
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Thirlaway
Watson
Brown
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
CRYSTAL PALACE : London Challenge Cup (Third Round)
White Hart Lane
1 - 2 (Moore)
20 November 1922
Att: ?
Hufton
Hebden
Henderson
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Watson
Brown
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
CLAPTON ORIENT
Lea Bridge
2 - 0 (Watson 2)
25 November 1922
Att: 20,000
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
SOUTH SHIELDS
Upton Park
1 - 0 (Moore)
2 December 1922
Att: 15,000
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
SOUTH SHIELDS
Horsley Hill
0 - 0
9 December 1922
Att: 7,000
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Molineux
4 - 1 (Brown 2, Moore, Watson)
16 December 1922
Att; 10,000
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Upton Park
1 - 0 (Watson)
23 December 1922
Att: 15,000
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
Wanderers gave a very unimpressive display Upton Park, and although, in the end only a solitary goal separated the sides, this was largely due the futile finishing the home forwards. During the opening minutes Marshall fouled Brown the penalty area, but Moore failed to put the subsequent kick to profit, driving straight at Hampton. However, eight minutes from the start the West Ham efforts were rewarded. Watson obtaining a brilliant goal. And then the scoring ended. Brown and Wateon were certainly unfortunate in having likely shots charged down, while Edmonds, with an open goal, failed badly. But throughout the shooting was disappointing. West Ham are now a harmonious side, capable of playing clever if not always profitable football, and they were never threatened with defeat any time. The uneven Wanderers attack, in which Edmonds alone shone, seldom threatened danger to Hufton, so effective was the work of the home middle men. Bishop proved a fine initiator, and Kay and Tresadern enjoyed a successful match. Behind them Young and Henderson played surely and steadily, so much so that the clever home keeper was only once really tested.
The visitors revealed little enterprise in their methods. Fazackerley's cleverness was only occasionally seen, and the wing men met more than their match in Bishop and Tresadern. But the blame must rest with the half-backs. Brewster was a disappointment, his passing being wild and inaccurate, and his confreres were little better in this important phase. Baugh, however, deserves special mention, for after a shaky start he did excellent work. At no period of the game did he really master the home left wing, but his kicking from all sorts of difficult angles was cleverly executed. Marshall, if hardly so dependable, proved a fine helpmate, while Hampton did all that was requested of him in workmanlike fashion.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Old Trafford
2 - 1 (Brown, Moore)
25 December 1922
Att; 17,500
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
MANCHESTER UNITED
Upton Park
0 - 2
26 December 1922
Att; 20,000
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
COVENTRY CITY
Highfield Road
3 - 1 (Watson 3)
30 December 1922
Att; 14,000
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Crossley
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
COVENTRY CITY
Upton Park
1 - 0 (Tresadern)
6 January 1923
Att: 16,000
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Crossley
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
The game at Upton Park between West Ham and Coventry City opened in sensational style, with Tresadern scoring for West with a long shot through a crowd of players.
The home team had all the better of the play to the interval, but Best kept goal splendidly and Davidson very nearly equalised. West Ham completely monopolised the attack in the second half, but as Coventry defended stoutly they could not increase their lead. Kay struck the bar with a long shot, and Tims made splendid efforts for Coventry, but as Hufton was supreme in goal the visitors failed to score.
HULL CITY : FA Cup (First Round)
Anlaby Road
3 - 2 (Watson 2, Moore)
13 January 1923
Att: 14,000
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Crossley
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
PORT VALE
Recreation Ground
3 - 1 (Bishop, Richards, Ruffell)
20 January 1923
Att: 17,000
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Crossley
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
PORT VALE
Upton Park
0 - 0
27 January 1923
Att: 17,000
Hufton
Henderson
Horler
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Crossley
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION : FA Cup (Second Round)
Goldstone Ground
1 - 1 (Watson)
3 February 1923
Att: 19,531
Hufton
Henderson
Horler
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION : FA Cup (Second Round Replay)
Upton Park
1 - 0 (Moore)
7 February 1923
Att: 20,000
Hufton
Henderson
Horler
Allen
Carter
Tresadern
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
LEICESTER CITY
Upton Park
2 - 2 (Brown, Richards)
10 February 1923
Att: 16,000
Hufton
Henderson
Horler
Allen
Carter
Tresadern
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Crossley
Both West Ham and Leicester City, On their showing yesterday, are very line teams. And the first to pay tribute to the merits of the Midland team was Mr. Syd King, West Ham's manager. He said: "Leicester are the best team we have met this season." On the run of the play a division of points is about as just a result as could have happened. Although, to my mind, West Ham have only themselves to blame for not making the issue certain when they had an advantage of two goals after 19 minutes play. It appeared to me that they were content with this advantage, and rested on their oars." A most dangerous policy. In consequence, it is not hard to explain why the clever Leicester team forced a draw. On a day such as yesterday, and a ground that was sodden, it is a source of wonderment to me why either of the teams adopted the close passing methods. Leicester started with it, and were two down. West Ham finished in the same way, enabling the Midland side to finish on equality.
Both West Ham's goals were the result of the initiative genius of Tresadern. The movement that led up to the first originated from this brilliant and composed half-back. With a cross-pass he tangled the Leicester defence, and Richards found the net with a last drive after .ten minutes' play. Again Tresadern pushed the ball through for Watson to confuse the opposition, and he, in a most thoughtful and unselfish way, transferred to Brown, who made no error of the gilt edged opportunity. Immediately following this it was all West Ham, and Hebden, in the Leicester goal, performed wonders in keeping out shots by Richards and Watson Leicester were far from being overplayed. As a matter of fact, throughout the whole piece they exhibited most commendable team work, and through clever co-operation between the halves and forwards J. Duncan got his chance —and used it, his drive, just inside the upright, completely beating. Hufton. To my mind, there was more than a suspicion of off-side about this point. Such was not the ease with the equaliser, and J. Duncan again did the trick. But it is to the credit of Waite that he provided the opportunity by cleverly evading West Ham's defence and centreing with such accuracy.
LEICESTER CITY
Filbert Street
6 - 0 (Moore 3, Richards, Ruffell, Tresadern)
15 February 1923
Att: 12,000
Hufton
Henderson
Horler
Brown
Carter
Tresadern
Richards
Crossley
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
This Second Division match, postponed from February 3, owing to both teams being engaged in the English Cup was played at Leicester today, before 12,000, in fine weather. Leicester had the better of the opening exchanges, but after seven minutes Ruffell scored for West Ham following a centre by Richards. Moore scored a second goal, and Tresadern, a half-back, got the third with a long shot when Hebden slipped. Richards scored the fourth goal.
Half-time: West Ham United 4, Leicester City 0
West Ham were still the better team in the opening part of the second half, but the Leicester defence was rather better. Moore scored a filth goal for West Ham following a free kick, and the same player put on a sixth also from a free kick. Leicester were deservedly beaten.
BARNSLEY
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Hufton
Henderson
Horler
Allen
Carter
Tresadern
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
PLYMOUTH ARGYLE : FA Cup (Third Round)
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Carter
Tresadern
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Carter
Tresadern
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
SOUTHAMPTON : FA Cup (Fourth Round)
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Carter
Tresadern
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
SOUTHAMPTON : FA Cup (Fourth Round Replay)
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Carter
Tresadern
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
HULL CITY
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Carter
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
SOUTHAMPTON : FA Cup (Fourth Round 2nd Replay)
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
DERBY COUNTY : FA Cup (Semi-Final)
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
BURY
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
CRYSTAL PALACE
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Mackesy
WILLIAM EDWARDS
Brown
Watson
Moore
Richards
REPORT:
BURY
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
CRYSTAL PALACE
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
HULL CITY
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Mackesy
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
FULHAM
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Mackesy
Richards
Brown
ALBERT FLETCHER
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
BARNSLEY
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Brown
Watson
Crossley
Moore
REPORT:
NOTTS COUNTY
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Mackesy
REPORT:
FULHAM
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Hampson
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Thirlaway
REPORT:
BOLTON WANDERERS : FA Cup (Final)
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Hufton
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Hampson
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT:
NOTTS COUNTY
Venue
? - (??)
Date
Hampson
Henderson
Young
Bishop
Kay
Tresadern
Richards
Brown
Watson
Moore
Ruffell
REPORT: