It was a wretched beginning to the campaign as the Hammers were winless after 11 games and sat second to bottom in the league. Young goalkeeper Mervyn Day was brought into the side and the team won their first game at Coventry City in October. The League Cup brought no joy as Liverpool won 1–0 at Anfield in a replay. It took a further seven games before a second league win came when Manchester City were beaten 2–1 at home in December.

New signings arrived when manager Ron Greenwood bought striker Bobby Gould, midfielder Graham Paddon and defender Mick McGiven. The new players helped, as there were two 4–2 victories against Chelsea and Norwich City. This improvement was not maintained in the FA Cup, however, as Third Division Hereford United won 2–1 in the replay following a 2–2 draw at Upton Park. A significant event took place when Bobby Moore moved across London to sign for Fulham. It was the end of an era – he had played 642 games for the club.

Inspired by skipper Billy Bonds there was a 10-game unbeaten run that raised morale. Bonds was waging a one-man crusade against relegation, with a hat-trick against Chelsea in a 3–0 victory. Further wins against Leeds United and Southampton found the Hammers virtually safe and a final day 2–2 home draw with Liverpool gave an eighteenth place finish.