1925-26 Friendlies

First Practice Match
PROBABLES v. POSSIBLES
Upton Park
5 - 0
15 August 1925

PROBABLES

(Watson 2, Earle, Moore, Ruffell)

Hufton

Hodgson

Henderson

Carter

Eastman

Cadwell

Yews

Earle

Watson

Moore

Ruffell

POSSIBLES

Baillie

Hebden

Horler

Collins

Barrett

Cowper

Weale

Edwards

Campbell

Fletcher

Thompson

REPORT:

Second Practice Match
PROBABLES v. POSSIBLES
Upton Park
6 - 1
22 August 1925

PROBABLES

(Watson 3, Earle, Ruffell, Yews)

Hufton

Hodgson

Henderson

Carter

Hull

Cadwell

Yews

Earle

Watson

Moore

Ruffell

POSSIBLES

(Barnard)

Baillie

Hebden

Earl

Collins

Barrett

Mackesy

Cowper

Edwards

Campbell

Fletcher

Barnard W.

REPORT:

Sorry No Image

PLYMOUTH ARGYLE : Cosgrove Benefit
Home Park
6 - 4 (Watson 3, Moore 2, Ruffell)
9 September 1925

Hufton

Hodgson

Henderson

Carter

Barrett

Cadwell

Yews

Earle

Watson

Moore

Ruffell

REPORT:

ILFORD : Harvey Darvill Fund
2 - 2 (Thompson, Walker)
24 September 1925
Att:

Hufton, Hebden, Young, Bishop, Kay, Collins, Yews, Walker, Watson, Williams, Thompson

REPORT:

SUMMERSTOWN
Garratt Lane
0 - 2
24 October 1925

Woodward

Earl

Batchelor

Gordon

Howell

Clark

Park

Oakley

Cox

Ruffell W.

Collins

REPORT:

SOUTHALL
Western Road
2 - 7 (Cox 2)
7 November 1925
Att:

Woodward, Batchelor, Horler, Clark, Howell, Mackesy, Taylor, Ruffell W., Cowper, Cox, Weale

REPORT:

Sorry No Image

CRYSTAL PALACE
London Professional Charity Fund
Upton Park
2 - 2 (Bishop, Watson)
16 November 1925

Abandoned : Bad Light

Hufton

Hodgson

Hebden

Bishop

Barrett

Cadwell

Yews

Earle

Watson

Moore

Ruffell

Considering that they lost Hamilton before half-time Crystal Palace could feel satisfied with dividing four goals at Upton Park. An attempt was made to play extra time, according to the rules governing these matches, but, though an interval had been dispensed with, the referee was compelled to stop the match when 18 minutes of the half-hour had expired. West Ham during one period looked like having an easy task, but after Watson had headed through from a corner Clarke was allowed something like a free course to approach within shooting distance, and Hufton could not get near a low cross shot. Bishop kicked a splendid goal, but the Palace, when a man short early the second half, equalised through Turner. Blackmore went centre-half when Hamilton injured his ankle. besides straining a muscle, and did good work among a determined set of defenders, but Harper took chief honours for the visitors, some of his saves being brilliant.

Gate receipts £93

WESTERN LOMBARDIANS : Reserves
Away
4 - 4 (Unknown)
19 November 1925
Att:

Mizen, Batchehor, Horler, Mackesy, Jewett, Howell, Shadbolt, Ruffell W., Cowper, Cox, Weale

REPORT:

CRYSTAL PALACE
London Professional Charity Fund
Upton Park
3 - 0 (Watson 3)
30 November 1925

Baillie

Hebden

Horler

Bishop

Barrett

Collins

Carter

Earle

Watson

Williams

Ruffell

West Ham United found the way to victory very easy at Upton Park in their match with Crystal Palace. Having undergone a great trial in their game against Plymouth Argyle on Saturday the Palace played like a tired team, and at no time did they offer serious opposition to a much clever side. Their defenders tackled weakly, and merely ballooned the ball in their clearances, while, apart from two capital shots by Hoddinott late in the game, the forwards rarely threatened the West Ham goal. Play of a much different character came from the home team, who. quickly taking the measure of their opponents, scored three times in the first half. Watson, who showed excellent or opportunism in the centre, gained all three goals. He obtained the first one cleverly, passing out to Carter, and shooting into the net coolly as the ball came back from the wing, in spite of Harper's rush out of goal. The Palace keeper, in saving brilliantly with one hand a hard drive from Earle, could only push the ball out a few yards, and Watson had an easy chance with which to place West Ham further ahead, while shortly before half-time the home centre headed in a pass front Carter. On resuming the West Ham forwards played, pretty but ineffective football, their shooting at times being wild.

Gate receipts: £89

GRAYS THURROCK : Reserves
Upton Park
4 - 6 (Unknown)
2 January 1926

Line-up Unknown

REPORT:

NORWICH CITY : Reserves
The Nest
1 - 6 (Surtees)
16 January 1926
Att:

Chiswick, Hebden, Young, Carter, Eastman, Wilkins, Edwards, Surtees, Brooks, Bell, Thompson

REPORT:

LETCHWORTH TOWN : Reserves
Vown Ground, Baldock Road
2 - 0 (Campbell [pen], Fletcher)
30 January 1926
Att:

Unknown Line-up

REPORT:

MAIDSTONE UNITED : Reserves
Watling Street
3 - 2 (Williams 2, Campbell)
13 February 1926
Att:

Unknown Line-up

REPORT:

CUSTOM HOUSE : Reserves
Away
1 - 0 ([og])
13 February 1926
Att:

Unknown Line-up

REPORT:

COVENTRY CITY
Highfield Road
3 - 4 (Campbell, Moore. Yews)
20 February 1926
Att: 5,000

Kaine, Barrett, Young, Carter, Kay, Collins, Yews, Earle, Campbell, Watson, Moore

Shankley was signed by Coventry only the day before this game from Nuneaton. He had previously had Football League experience with Portsmouth and Halifax. Despite his 4 goals the local reporter was not over-impressed with Shakley's ability.

ROYAL AIR FORCE : Reserves
Upton Park
0 - 4
25 February 1926
Att:

Kaine

Eastman

Cowper

Smith

Jewett

Wilkins

Weale

Ruffell W.

Brooks

Mackesy

Laughey

West Ham Reserve Side Well Beaten. The Royal Air Force proved too good for West Ham United's Reserve team at Upton Park, and won decisively by 4 goals to 0. The score in no way exaggerated the extent of the Airmen's superiority. Flight-Officer Williams and F.S. Fretnell at full-back did splendid work, their pace and sure kicking breaking up most attacks of the West Ham forwards. The halves were a real connecting line the attack, in which all five men showed skill. quickness on the ball, and rare speed. The West Ham goal had many escapes before Bishop scored ten minutes before the interval, after which better reward was earned. Kirk, a smart centre-forward, used a pass from Bishop to score at close quarters, and Smith added a good goal by going through when a defender and Kirk had fallen. Kane had no chance with Smith's shot, and he could not catch a high cross shot from Morris, the bell passing just under the crossbar to complete the scoring. Blyth, the outside-right completed a good forward line.

WOOLWICH GARRISON : Reserves
Away
4 - 1 (Ruffell 2, Hawkins, Williams)
3 March 1926
Att:

Kaine, Hodgson, Horler, Bishop, Smith, Wilkins, Evans, Ruffell W., Hawkins, Williams, Thompson

REPORT:

CITY POLICE : 'A' Team
Upton Park
3 - 1 (Cox 2 [1 pen], [og])
8 March 1926
Att:

Baillie, Goodsell W., Weale T., O'Mahony, Smith, Wilkins, Collins T., Ruffell W., Cowper, Cox C., Cockburn

REPORT:

CLACTON : Reserves
Old Road Ground
4 - 0 (Fletcher [pen], Thompson, 2 [og])
17 March 1926
Att:

Baillie, Eastman, Hodgson, Wilkins, Smith, Cowper, Thompson, Fletcher, Campbell, Ruffell W., Evans

REPORT:

LONDON UNIVERSITY : Reserves
Upton Park
2 - 1 (Cox, Hawkins)
22 March 1926
Att:

Unknown Line-up

REPORT:

WEYMOUTH : Reserves
Recreation Ground
3 - 1 (Campbell, Thompson, [og])
2 April 1926
Att:

Baillie, Hodgson, Horler, Cowper, Eastman, Wilkins, Weale, Ruffell W., Campbell, Surtees, Thompson

REPORT:

CHELSEA : Reserves
Upton Park
0 - 3
5 April 1916
Att:

Line-up Unknown

REPORT:

BARKING TOWN : Reserves
Vicarage Road
2 - 4 (Unknown)
1 May 1926
Att:

Unknown Line-up

REPORT:

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
London Dockland Settlement
Upton Park
1 - 1 (Watson)
3 May 1926
Att:

Unknown Line-up

At West Ham, the presence of 3,000 spectators, among whom were His Royal Highness Prince Arthur of Connaught. Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United each scored a goal the chaiity match organised for the benefit of the Dockland settlement.
Tottenham controlled the ball in a strong wind much better than their opponents. In the opening half their forwards displayed clever combination, and a goal lead was well merited. This was obtained by Blair following a clever run by Handley. West Ham, soon equalised when the game was resumed, Watson scoring as the result of hesitancy on the part of the Tottenham left-back. The home side had most of the game to the end, and the Tottenham goal was lucky to escape on several occasions. The gold medals presented by Colonel Guest will be held over until next year.

West Ham United in Madrid, Corunna & Vigo in Spain

May 20 to June 10 1926

Recorded by Mr. A.C. Davis, Director

THURSDAY 20 MAY

With very pleasant memories of visits to Bilbao, Prague, Vienna, Buda, Pesch, Cologne, Frankfort, Friburg, Amsterdam, and other continental towns, our party assembled at Victoria at 8 am en route for Spain, where arrangements had been made to play in Madrid, Corunna and Vigo, two games in each place. The officials and players making the journey were Messrs. J.W.Y.Cearns, W.J.Cearns, A.C.Davis, G.F.Davis, H.Iggleden, L.Johnson, E.S.King, F.R.Pratt, W.F.White, E.Hufton, J.Hebden, T.Hodgson, J.Barratt, G.Carter, G.Kay, J.Collins, P.Cowper, T.Yews, J.Campbell, V.Watson, W.Moore, W.Ruffell, J.Ruffell, C.Paynter, with H.Alcaurez, of the International Sleeping Car Company, as courier.

Leaving London by the 9 am boat train and a prospect of fine weather, we arrived at Folkestone and all were pleased that the sea was in a happy mood, and a splendid crossing was made to Boulogne where we landed about 1 pm when a rush was made to the Customs, which after a few minutes resembled a heated political meeting.

The journey to Paris brought to mind the war, as a number of well kept cemeteries are observed around Etaples. Arriving in Paris just after 4 pm we drove across the City to the Quay d’Orsay where tea was taken. As we were not due to leave for Spain until 7 pm, a walk through the Tuilleries gardens was taken by a number of the party and a debate took place as to the dates of various battles near Corunna.

There was some difficulty with the railway officials, but eventually we were fixed up with reserved seats and settled down for an all night run to Irun.

FRIDAY 21 MAY

We arrived at the Spanish Frontier station, Irun, at 8 am, and the usual procedure of Customs inspection and Passports to be gone through, and breakfast partaken in the station Restaurant. It was close to Irun where one of the last acts of the British forces in the Peninsular War occurred. This was the passage of the Bidassou, October 7th 1813, when the Duke of Wellington took by storm a strong fort on Mont la Rhunes.

After breakfast a stroll through the town for about 45 minutes, previous to leaving from Madrid which meant another 13 hours’ train ride. The track through the Pyrenees is a succession of tunnels and gorges with mountainous scenery for about 80 miles. It is often remarked that the world is small, and we had this forcibly brought to our mind when we were seated in the dining car for lunch. The remark “what are you doing here” was made by a passenger to one of our officials, the greeting coming from a gentleman lately residing at Stratford.

The journey from the Pyrenees to Madrid was through flat and uninteresting country, and we were all glad when at 10.45 pm we alighted in the capital of Spain. There was a number of Football Officials at the station to welcome our party, including the President of the Football Federation, who saw us to the Hotel Metropolitano, and all were glad to get to bed after a 40 hours’ journey from London.

SATURDAY 22 MAY

All were about fairly early and the morning was spent in fixing up arrangements for visits to the principal places of interest. Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a city of contrasts. There are modern cars and ancient mule carts driving in the streets, splendid buildings, the Post Office being the most magnificent in the world. Theatres out of date, beautiful parks, bad roads, modern cabarets and beggars, lottery ticket sellers, children in the streets till 4 o’clock in the morning, and other public objections that would not be tolerated in any of the other continental cities which we have visited during the last four years.

We were invited during the afternoon to witness a game of Jai Alai or Basket Polaro. It is a game requiring perfect eyesight and accurate judgement and is played on a paved court 50 yards long by 12 yards wide, walled on three sides. The game is played for points similar to tennis. The bookmakers cause as much excitement as the players, and personally I should not care to bet on either side as it is palpable to any observer that the play is arranged to suit the betting. On arriving back at the hotel we were surprised to find an invitation from the Duke de Miranda Equerry to the King for the Directors to attend the ceremony at the Palace at 11am on Sunday May 23rd.

SUNDAY 23 MAY

Beautiful weather; at 10 am we left the Hotel to attend the ceremonies at the Royal Palace, and it was a sight that does not fall to the lot of all visitors to Spain to witness. The scene was one of gorgeous splendour. The brilliant uniforms of King Alphonso and the Grandees, and beautiful dresses of the ladies made up a moving picture that will live in one’s memory.

SPANISH INTERNATIONAL XI (Spain)
Madrid
2 - 1 (Campbell, Watson)
23 May 1926

Hufton, Hodgson, Barrett, Carter, Kay, Collins, Yews, Watson, Campbell, Moore, Ruffell J.

At 3.30 pm we were off to the Stadium for the first game of the Tour. The ground lies in a lovely setting and it was a picture when the crowd had taken up their places. The ladies mostly carried sunshades of varying colours rarely seen at a football match at home.

King Alphonso, the Queen Mother, Princess Christina, Princess Beatrice, Princess Isabella, Duke and Duchess of Miranda, Duke and Duchess of Albu, Sir Horace Rumbold, British Ambasador, and other Representatives of Foreign Nations arrived before the commencement.

Owing to indisposition Queen Victoria was unable to be present and Mr White asked the King to accept a bouquet of flowers for the Queen.

The teams lined up before the King :-

Spanish International -

Martineuz (Madrid); Pasarin (Vigo); Pallana (Bilbao); Pena (Bilbao); Zahal (Barcelona); Gamborena (Irun); Alcauer (Bilbao); Polo (Vigo); Errazquin (Irun); Samiter (Barcelona); Piera (Barcelona).

At half time King Alphonso addressed the players and presented silver cups to the Spanish side to commemorate their exploits in International games.

The match was well contested, the goals being scored by Samiter (Spain), Campbell and Watson for Hammers who won by 2 goals to 1. At the banquet after the match, speeches were made by the Chairman, Senor, J. Olave, President of the Football Federation, Sir Horace Rumbold, British Ambassador; Don Augusto Garcia, Madrid Athletic Club, and Mr W. White, West Ham, a very fine conclusion to a wonderful day.

WHIT - MONDAY 24 MAY

The morning was spent in various ways. A game of golf, visits to the flower show and other attractions. After lunch the whole party left for a visit to the Royal Palace as a special privilege had been given for us to inspect the Royal Apartments and Stables, and the wonderful things seen made one think of the great artists there must have been in ancient days.

The King’s horses were all very fine and it was recalled by some of the horses names of the Royal Family’s English connections, three names over the horse stalls being Rose Marie, Nelly Kelly, and Little Tich.

We were also shewn the carriage in which King Alphonso and Princess Ena were riding on their wedding day 20 years ago, and at which a bomb was thrown killing all the horses and 25 persons.

The evening was spent at the Zarzulla Theatre, the show being Paris Review, in which the Tiller Troupe and Jackson troupe of English dancers were appearing. As illustrating the difference between Madrid and London in the habits of the people : The Theatrical shows start at 11 pm and finish at 2 am, when the streets of the city are full of beggars and other objectionable persons, and everyone seems to vie with each other in making as much noise as possible.

Outside the Royal Palace, Madrid

TUESDAY 25 MAY

Visits to the parks and in this respect Madrid has some of the finest public gardens to be seen. The Buen Retiro, Moneloa, Parque del Oeste and the Dehesa de la Villa being very beautiful places. After lunch preparations for the game against the Royal Madrid Club were made and at 5 pm we left for the ground which is one of the best laid out sports grounds on the Continent.

ROYAL MADRID (Spain)
Madrid
2 - 3 (Campbell, Ruffell J.)
25 May 1926

Hufton, Hodgson, Barrett, Carter, Kay, Collins, Yews, Watson, Campbell, Moore, Ruffell J.

There was a large crowd present when the teams turned out, the King showing his interest in the game, sent his two sons, H.R.H. Infante Don Juan, and H.R.H. Don Gonzalo to witness the match which was very fast and interesting, and resulted in a win for the Madrid Club, 3-2.

Campbell and Ruffell scoring for the Hammers. At the conclusion of the game the players were introduced to the Princes and after the usual complimentary remarks had been passed we returned to the Hotel where we sat down to dinner at the unusual time of 10.30 pm.

WEDNESDAY 26 MAY

Our last day in Madrid was occupied in shopping expeditions. Before leaving Madrid some of our party took the opportunity of seeing a Bull Fight and after witnessing four horses being killed by Bulls without a chance being given them of fighting for their lives (as the horses are blindfolded) it made us feel disgusted with the Sport, if it can be called by that name.

Bull-fighting is the national pastime and everyone from the Noble to the mule driver is critical of the exploits of the performers. After the killing of the Bull the Matador walks around the ring and if he has done his work well he is wonderously applauded and the spectators throw their hats to him and he has a busy time throwing the hats back to their owners, but if the work is badly done the Matador has a very bad time and is glad to clear out quickly. The breeding of Bulls for the ring may be described as one of the national industries of Spain. Noblemen try to keep up the breed and the fighting qualities of the bulls, and the rearing of the bulls is the proper occupation of a gentleman. The breeding establishments of Andalusia turn out the finest fighting bulls and they are considered fit for combat at the age of five years, and their value is £50. Over 1000 of these animals are killed in Bull fights annually, while the number of horses gored to death is considerably larger. Bull-fighting is, however, apparently on the wane, and it is believed that in a very few years footballers will oust the Matadors as national heroes.

THURSDAY 27 MAY

Leaving Madrid at 6.30 pm the previous evening for an 18 hour train journey, we were all pleased when we arrived at Corunna at 1 pm to be welcomed by some of the leading citizens of the Town who had cars waiting to drive us to the Hotel. Lunch was immediately served, after which we retired for a much needed rest.

All were, however, down for Dinner, and later we strolled through the Town until bedtime. Corunna is an important seaport with a population of 70,000 people, and it has some historical interest for British visitors as it was from this port that the Spanish Armada of 130 ships and an army of 30,000 men sailed in 1588 to conquer England.

The town was burnt down by Sir Francis Drake’s fleet in 1598, and later in 1747 and 1805 two naval battles were won by the English close by. The town has a very striking appearance, nearly all the houses having glazed balconies on each floor which gives the streets the appearance of huge conservatories. There are some very fine buildings, but the paving of the streets is very bad and does not appear to have been repaired for a generation.

FRIDAY 28 MAY

The Corunna team put up quite a good fight, but West Ham eventually won 3-0, scored by Campbell, W. Ruffell and Yews. The British Vice-Consul, Mr Henry Guyatt, and a number of British residents attended the match. The Military control of Spain was more noticeable here as a large number of Civic Guardsmen were on duty at the game, carrying rifles, whilst eight mounted guards escorted us from the ground until we were clear of the crowd.

CORUNNA (Spain)
Corunna
3 - 0 (Campbell, Ruffell W., Yews)
28 May 1926

Hufton, Hodgson, Barrett, Carter, Hebden, Collins, Yews, Ruffell W., Campbell, Moore, Ruffell J.

SATURDAY 29 MAY

At noon the whole of our party made a pilgrimage to the grave of Sir John Moore, where Mr. White laid a wreath of remembrance to this famous soldier who was killed in battle on the heights of Elvina, on January 16th, 1809, when the French Marshal Soult endeavoured to prevent the embarkation of the British Army. Returning to the Hotel we visited a Municipal Wash-house and an amusing incident occurred as several of the players took off their coats and started to help with the washing, much to the amusement of the natives.

After lunch a motor launch too us across the bay to a fine stretch of sands where most of the party went sea bathing in primitive style. About 8 pm, the Pacific Co’s S,S, “Oreto” entered the harbour to land passengers, and a number of us accepted the invitation of a local Britisher, Mr. Long, to board the steamer, where we were cordially received by the officers and able to obtain fresh stocks of English Cigarettes. Again we found how small the world is as the writer met in the 2nd Steward the son of a former business colleague of Liverpool. We spent a very pleasant two hours aboard the boat, and thanks to the personality of our local friend we were able to come ashore without question carrying sufficient cigarettes to last us through to Vigo.

SUNDAY 30 MAY

This was the big day in Corunna as we had the second match to play in the afternoon, and invitations had been sent to us for a Tea Dance after the game, and for a performance at the Theatre, commencing at 11 pm. During the morning we saw the local Peace celebration for the conclusion of the War against the Riffs in Africa.

CORUNNA (Spain)
Corunna
2 - 1 (Watson, Yews)
30 May 1926

Hufton, Hodgson, Barrett, Carter, Kay, Collins, Yews, Watson, Ruffell W., Moore, Ruffell J.

We arrived at the Stadium at 4 pm and found that the Corunna Club had obtained the assistance of two internationals from Vigo to strengthen their side in an endeavour to win the second game.

The Spanish team put up a much better show in this game, but the Hammers won by two goals, scored by Yews and Watson, to one goal from a penalty given for alleged handling. The Referee in this match would have done justice to one of Karno’s best shows.

After the game we visited the Club’s headquarters where wine was served in honour of the Corunna Captain who was taking his benefit.

Dinner followed and at 11.15 pm we arrived at the Theatre where the entertainment was also for the benefit of the football captain. The performance was an amateur one and from the applause given we judged the artists were doing very well, but owing to language difficulties we probably failed to appreciate the show which finished at 2.30 am.

MONDAY 31 MAY

This was our last day in Corunna, and during the morning a visit was made to the picturesque fishing village of Sada. After lunch another trip was made to access the bay for swimming and fishing, and our last night in Corunna was spent in visits to the Circus and other amusement halls, and taking leave of friends we had made during our few days in the Town.

TUESDAY 1 JUNE

We left Corunna at 10 am by Motor for Santiago, which has been for hundreds of years a favourite resort of pilgrims to the shrine of St. James, the patron saint of Spain. The Cathedral towards which every visitor turns his steps is in the centre of the town. The building was consecrated in 1211, and the style is far from uniform owing to various additions. Before the figure of St. James on the western facades between the two towers are sculptured kneeling Kings. The interior is very impressive. The most imposing view being obtained from the transept. The apostle’s tomb is in the crypt immediately under the Capilla Major.

In the Chapel we were shown the statue of the Saint richly draped and holding in his hand the original pilgrim’s staff which is kissed by all devout pilgrims. In one of the entrance columns are five recesses which it is said have been worn in the stone by pilgrims and visitors who are supposed to place the thumb and fingers of their right hand in the recesses say five prayers and get five wishes granted.

The journey from Santiago to Vigo was through a picturesque and fertile country with vineyards and fields of maize in abundance, and we were able to observe the difference between the peoples of the various provinces.

In Galacia the women of the poorer class have to do the hard work and we came in contact with them working on the quay or dockside unloading all kinds of material including coals, charcoal, bricks etc. They also do most of the porterage's, and it is quite a common thing to see women with heavy trunks and boxes staggering along the streets. In several towns we noticed the women carrying water tubs from a supply in the open to the houses. They also do a considerable number of jobs on the railways including attendants at crossings, booking clerks, and ticket collecting.

The Spanish people are very devoted to dancing; every province having its traditional dances from the Jota Aragonesa of Aragon to the Seguidillas of Seville. Two charming points about the Spanish women are essentially their own. Her coiffure and footwear are irreproachable. Aristocrat or servant, her hair is always tastefully and daintily arranged. Even the poorest go to the hairdresser every day. The Spaniard hates rain and it is no uncommon sight to see cabbies, cyclists, or even workmen raise umbrellas at the first sight of a shower.

WEDNESDAY 2 JUNE

A glorious morning after heavy rain. The R.M.S. “Arcadian” entered the bay with 400 tourists and we were invited on board. Before going out to the ship the draw was made for a sweepstake on the Derby, the favourites being drawn by Mr J.H. Cearns, Mr. Spiller, R.M.S. Co., and Charles Paynter. Upon leaving the Hotel one is immediately impressed with the picturesque beauty of the place.

Vigo has a population of 60,000 and is situated in a magnificent bay. The town being built upon the slopes of the hills. Numerous palms and orange trees give the town quite an oriental appearance. We were received very cordially by the officers of the R.M.S. “Arcadian” which was returning to England after a trip to Madeira with tourists from all parts of England.

After lunch we had a trip across Vigo Bay to a quaint old world fishing village, Demoana, almost prehistoric in everything except lighting, which to our surprise was electric. We had quite a lot of amusement with about 30 lads of the village who fought, raced, and scrambled for coins, and altogether we had a very pleasant afternoon quite off the beaten track.

THURSDAY 3 JUNE

Some of our party were out early to visit the Fish quay and market. There were about twenty trawlers being unloaded and again one observed the work being done by the women as they were carrying large baskets from the boats to the market, and to our surprise women were the auctioneers.

VIGO (Spain)
Santiago
2 - 1 (Barrett, Yews)
3 June 1926

Hufton, Hodgson, Barrett, Carter, Hebden, Collins, Yews, Watson, Campbell, Moore, Ruffell W.

The Vigo team who were semi-finalists of the Spanish Cup, and are reputed to be the best team in Galacia, put up a good game and were unlucky to be beaten 2-1. The goals for the winners scored by Yews and Barrett.

After the match we were spectators of a very fine religious procession in connection with the Corpus Christi festival, and it was remarkable to see all the female spectators kneeling on the road as one part of the procession passed while men stood with bowed heads.

FRIDAY 4 JUNE

We made another trip across Vigo Bay to a small town called Cangus, where a few hours were spent before returning to the Hotel for Dinner. Later a visit was paid to the Theatre.

SATURDAY 5 JUNE

Our party received an invitation from Messrs. Hyos de Antonio Alonzo to visit their Saldine factory and most of us took advantage of the offer to see the process of canning fish carried out. We arrived at the works about 11.30 and were received by one of the Partners who conducted us through the various departments. This company during the busy season employs between 900 to 1000 hands, mostly women.

The visit was quite interesting, and no doubt instructive to those who had not already seen a canning works. In the afternoon most of the party made a trip over the mountains to a small place called Porrino and thoroughly enjoyed the delightful scenes en route.

SUNDAY 6 JUNE

A visit to the Church of Santa Maria which had been lavishly decorated for the Corpus Christi feast was made this morning, and later on we had a trip to Bouzos.

Our concluding match of the Tour was fixed at 5 pm. The game was a good exhibition of football, but the Referee evidently did not want us to win, as J. Ruffell was wrongly pulled up on four occasions for offside, and when a penalty was awarded the Spanish team for supposed handling which none of us saw. It made us think that we were not to be allowed to win the last match.

The score was 2-2 with five minutes to go, and the Vigo centre forward received the ball in such an offside position that Hufton walked out to place the ball for the kick which did not come off as the player put the ball into the net and to our amazement the Referee allowed the point and we lost 3-2, our goals being scored by Watson and Barrett.

VIGO (Spain)
Santiago
2 - 3 (Barrett, Watson)
6 June 1926

Hufton, Hodgson, Barrett, Carter, Hebden, Collins, Yews, Watson, Ruffell W., Cowper, Ruffell J.

MONDAY 7 JUNE

This morning we made a trip by Motor to Bayon, a delightful seaside resort about 20 miles from Vigo, and we were rewarded with some magnificent scenery en route. The afternoon was spent in walking along the coast

TUESDAY 8 JUNE

All were about and packing ready for our journey home, which we had booked on the R.M.M.V. “Asturias”, the world’s largest motor liner. The ship anchored in the bay at 7 am, and we were soon on board. The allotment of cabins was made and we were then ready for the first English food we had eaten for three weeks, and it was a welcome change to that which we had in Spain, although the Spanish cooking was quite good. Lunch over we were able to look over this super vessel of the Royal Mail Steam Packet Co.

A few details of the boat are interesting.

Built by Harland & Wolff, Belfast, the “Asturias” has a gross tonnage, 22,500 tons; displacement tonnage, 35,390 tons; length, 630 feet; breadth, 78 feet; depth, 45 feet; Accommodation is provided for 1780 passengers. The first class Dining Saloon can seat 408 diners, while the second class saloon can provide for 200 persons. The upper promenade deck is eight laps to the mile. An elaborate swimming pool, with marble floors and columns 29 feet long, 17 feet broad, with a depth of 4 feet 6 inches to 8 feet, has a constant flow of sea water. There are also a Winter Garden, Gymnasium, Children’s playroom, and Electric Lifts. The vessel can attain a speed of 18 knots, and smoke and dust from the funnels is eliminated as the engines of 20,000 horse power are of the Diesel type, working on crude oil.

We were out of the harbour at 10 o’clock, and as the weather was perfect the usual deck games were soon being played. After lunch more games and were anticipating meeting the German Fleet which we knew was due at Vigo this evening. In this we were disappointed. They evidently had taken another direction as we did not sight a warship the whole day. After dinner, Tommy Yews played the piano on deck for a few songs and some dancing until 11 pm.

WEDNESDAY 9 JUNE

Rain prevented parade on deck so an impromptu concert was tried in the lounge, but the faces of the passengers looked so much like church that our boys went to a game of cards. A sweepstake on the day’s run of the ship was promoted, and 402 miles, the winning number,,was drawn by the writer of these notes.

About 6 pm some excitement occurred, as one of the Ocean greyhounds hove in sight, and it proved to be the White Star Liner, “Olympic”, outward bound for New York. The last night on board we had an impromptu concert, several of our party rendering excellent items which were appreciated by the passengers.

THURSDAY 10 JUNE

We were anchored in Cherbourg harbour to disembark passengers until 8 am when the ship left for Southampton. During the trip across the channel, Billy Moore thanked the Directors for a very fine holiday the players had participated in, and Mr. White replied in a few suitable words, remarking on the pleasure it had been to be with the boys on such an extended tour.

Southampton was reached and after going through the customs and paying duty on various presents brought home, we left for London where the party dispersed.

In concluding this record of a very entertaining and delightful holiday in Spain, I take the opportunity of thanking the following gentlemen for the courtesy and assistance paid to members of our party at considerable inconvenience to themselves.

Madrid:- Sir Horace Rumbold, British Ambassador, Senor J. Olave, President of the Football Federation,Senor J. Alcaraz, Mr W. Moore, of Crossley Bros.

Corunna: - Mr. Henry Guyatt, British Vice-Consul, Mr. J. Long, and Senor Rodriguez Rincon.

Vigo:- Mr. W. Owen, British Vice-Consul, Mr. Spiller, Royal Mail Steam Packet Co., Senor Manuel Munez, Celta FC, and lastly to Mr. Henry Alcarez, of the International Sleeping Car Co., for his untiring efforts to make our tour a journey of happy memories in which he succeeded beyond all praise.

HOW SPAIN PLAYS FOOTBALL
WEST HAM TOURISTS' "NEVER AGAIN"
CAPTAIN IN HOSPITAL

"Never Again!" is the motto of West Ham Football team on its return from a tour in Spain. Nearly every player brought home a black eye, a damaged shin, or bruises as mementoes of the trip.
George Kay, the captain, left behind in a Vigo hospital with a broken nose, is not expected to leave his bed for at least a fortnight. "They don't kick, they just land cut," Jim Barrett the left half, describing his experiences, told a "Sunday Express" representative.
"I would never play a Spanish team again without a suit of armour. Their team work is good, but they know noting about football as we play it.

"FOUL PLAY"
"We got a shock when we stated the first match in Madrid. I thought we had been sent to the bull ring by mistake. We had a rough time until we retaliated with shoulder charges, but the Spanish referee said this was foul play, and our centre forward was ordered off the field when he charged a man who kicked his shin.
"We managed to lay out one or two of them, but the game was stopped until they were replaced. "The crowd cheered the Spaniards and hissed us, and once, when one of our men nearly broke a player's leg by accident, he had to be escorted off the field by a cordon of police."
Collins said Kay was kicked in the face in a corner scrum. West Ham won four out of six matches.

OTHER MATCHES at UPTON PARK

CLAPTON v. SWINDON TOWN
FA Cup (Third Round)
2 - 3
9 January 1926
Att:

CLAPTON (Unknown)

Line-up Unknown

SWINDON TOWN (Unknown)

Line-up Unknown

REPORT:

WEST HAM BOYS v. LUTON BOYS
ESFA Trophy (Final Qualifying Round)
2 - 0
27 February 1926
Att:

WEST HAM BOYS (Unknown)

Unknown Line-up

LUTON BOYS (Unknown)

Unknown Line-up

REPORT:

WEST HAM BOYS v. BIRMINGHAM BOYS
ESFA Trophy (First Round)
4 - 0
27 March 1926
Att: 10,000

WEST HAM BOYS (Goulden 2, Murphy, Rees)

Unknown Line-up

BIRMINGHAM BOYS

Unknown Line-up

Ten thousand attended at West Ham United's ground to see Rees score after seven minutes and Goulden a second a minute later. Eleven minutes after the interval Murphy notched a third goal and Goulden followed with a fourth in spite of fine defence by Baker, Kelly and Lambeth, who were the best for the visitors.

WEST HAM BOYS v. HACKNEY BOYS
ESFA Trophy (Second Round Proper)
3 - 1
10 April 1926
Att:

WEST HAM BOYS (Goulden, Murphy, Prince)

Unknown Line-up

HACKNEY BOYS (Unknown)

Unknown Line-up

REPORT:

ESSEX SCHOOLS v. LONDON SCHOOLS
Representative Match
3 - 1
19 April 1926
Att:

ESSEX SCHOOLS (Flint 2, Dempster)

Knief (West Ham), Dolder (East Ham), Smith F. (East Ham), Rourke (West Ham), Young (East Ham), Smith F.J. (West Ham), Braund (East Ham), Hickle (Woodford), Flint (Ilford), Goulden (West Ham), Dempster (East Ham)

LONDON SCHOOLS (Thompson)

Unknown Line-up

The Essex boys maintained their inbeaten record against London. The Essex team included five boys from East Ham Schools and four from West Ham, and it speaks well for the local boys that the Essex team were so successful. Essex suffered the handicap of height and weight, but were more clever in finishing that the London boys.

In the first few minutes of the game, London opened the score through Thompson, mainly due to bad understanding on the part of the Essex backs. Flint equalised for Essex after 15 minutes, and the same boy put Essex ahead with a beautiful drive from 30 yards out. Just before the interval Dempster (East Ham) increased the lead for Essex after a cleaver wing run. In the second half exchanges were even, but London managed to reduce the lead from a penalty.

WEST HAM BOYS v. SOUTH LONDON
Corinthian Final
1 - 1
28 April 1926
Att:

WEST HAM BOYS (?)

Unknown Line-up

SOUTH LONDON (?)

Unknown Line-up

REPORT:

NAPIER ROAD SCHOOL v. WAKEFIELD CENTRAL SCHOOL
White Cup Final
? - ?
4 May 1926
Att:

NAPIER ROAD SCHOOL

Unknown Line-up

WAKEFIELD CENTRAL SCHOOL

Unknown Line-up

The Cup Final is named after W.F. White Chairman of West Ham United Football Club

WEST HAM BOYS v. LIVERPOOL BOYS
ESFA Trophy (Semi-Final)
1 - 1
15 May 1926
Att: 17,000

WEST HAM BOYS (Rourke)

Unknown Line-up

LIVERPOOL BOYS (Unknown)

Unknown Line-up

REPORT:

West Ham Boys 1925-26

Can You Help?

Karen Cook's granddad Walter Jarvis worked for Fords in Dagenham. Walter is pictured sitting at his work desk on the day of his retirement in 1969. As well as whiskey bottles, on his desk there are two photographs, one depicts a West Ham Boys team, the photographs must have some sentimental reason for being displayed.

Karen would like to know if anyone can shed some light as to the connection between her granddad and the West Ham Boys 1925-26 team group, perhaps Walter was a player?

One schoolboy we can pick out from the photograph is future Hammer Len Goulden, seated 4th from left front row.

If you can help,

please use the contact link on the HOME page to get in touch.

Walter Jarvis

Thanks to Nigel Turner

1924-25 Friendlies

1925-26 Index

1926-27 Friendlies