Unlike some of their more famous northern rivals, in their early existence, West Ham United was never a wealth club, those who were associated with the Hammers, whether players or directors realised that their position in life meant that there were many who were less fortunate than themselves. This led in turn to a genuine desire to give something back to the local community whenever possible; this was aptly illustrated in a charity match on this St. Patrick’s Day back in 1924 at the Boleyn Ground between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur in aid of the London Dockland Settlement.

Dockland Settlements were a network of amenity centres in deprived areas of London, intended to meet the social and spiritual needs of the local population at a time when there was no public provision of such services.

On this occasion the patrons were honoured by the presence of H.R.H. the Duke of York, who, according to a newspaper report of the event ‘was heartily cheered by the crowd when he drove up to the ground in his motor.’

The warden of the Settlement, Mr. Kennedy Cox, set out in the notes in the souvenir programme the aim of the Dockland Settlement which was to provide facilities for sport in a spot where countless difficulties stand in the way.

‘We are’, he said, ‘determined that every lad shall have a chance of showing his talent and sharing in the boxing and football of the country, un-prevented by lack of money and opportunity. We also wish to build a set of clubs for evening use which shall be worthy of the greatness of our London Docks and of the Dock dwellers. The task is a heavy one, but thanks to our numerous friends we are moving along in the right direction.‘

The appeal brought an instant response from the east London locals and a crowd of about 10,000 turned up. The play was much above the average usually seen in friendly encounters with the two centre-halves George Kay for the Hammers and Billy Sage of Tottenham being prominent.

In the first half West Ham did most of the attacking with wingers William Edwards and Jimmy Ruffell showing their skills. However, much against the run of play Spurs took the lead just before the interval following a free-kick by Thompson which ended with Lindsay scoring.

The home side had some chances in the second half but could not reduce their arrears until two minutes from time when Spurs’ defender Forster fouled Edwards in the penalty area, and Jack Young equalised from the spot.

The Royal visitor presented both teams with gold medals, the match ball was auctioned, and West Ham Chairman Mr. W. White paid 50 guineas for it and presented it to the Settlement. The gate receipts of £385 were topped up by our north London visitors to £450.

​

Tottenham Hotspur:
Maddison, Clay, Forster, Smith, Sage, Poynton, Thompson, Osborne, Lindsay, Elkes, Handley