It was a very unhappy start to the season as the Hammers crashed 5–2 away at both Swansea Town and Blackburn Rovers. Back at the Boleyn for the first home game it was an improved performance as Notts County were beaten 3–0. Two days later, however, in the return with Blackburn the Rovers again won 5–2 to shock the home faithful. After a decent 2–1 win at Liverpool it was the Hammers’ turn to win 5–2 as Bristol Rovers lost at the Boleyn. At home Port Vale, Nottingham Forest and Stoke City were beaten without conceding a goal, but at Middlesbrough the side were heavily beaten, losing 6–0. Back at the Boleyn in December there were two exciting games with Bury and Swansea which both ended 3–3.

A New Year’s Day trip to Notts County ended in a 5–1 defeat and a week later it was more gloom as Port Vale knocked the Hammers out of the FA Cup after a replay. There was a quick change in fortunes as a hat-trick from John Dick inspired a 4–2 victory at Bristol Rovers, which was followed by a hat-trick from Dave Sexton in the 6–1 home win over Plymouth Argyle. During March and early April there were six successive wins as the Hammers, now in fourth spot, pushed for promotion. It was a huge disappointment when the seven remaining games did not yield a single victory, resulting in an eighth-place finish.