Thomas Samuel Randall spent his formative years in local junior soccer with Ethelburga's and Barking St Andrews; later graduating to Barking in the South Essex League, a proving ground for many aspiring players in the early 20th century. It was with his hometown club that he was selected for a county match for Essex against Suffolk in which his performance earned him a trial at Upton Park.

 

Randall’s first know appearance for the Irons came for the Reserves in their Southern League Division Two match at Upton Park against Fulham 25 November 1905, and signed professional forms on 20 December 1905.

 

Initially deployed as an inside-forward, Randall’s style—methodical and deliberate—did not immediately endear him to the Upton Park faithful. And athough manager, Syd King was impressed with his overall contribution, his slow pace and thoughtful approach led to the unflattering nickname “Old Mother Randall,” a reflection of the crowd’s impatience rather than his footballing intelligence almost drove him out of the game.

 

As a personal favour to West Ham trainer Charlie Paynter, Randall’s fortunes changed when he was repositioned to left-half, in his benefit match against Woolwich Arsenal on 12 November 1906, a role that better suited his strengths. From there, he flourished, developing into one of the most reliable defenders in the Southern League and signed as a full pro for the princely sum of 30 shillings a week.

 

Randall moved up to make his senior first team debut in the concluding home Southern League fixture, deputising for the sick William Grassam against champions Fulham, he scored a debut goal to help a ten-man Hammers team complete a remarkable double over the Cottagers by 4-1 on the 27 April 1907.

 

Infrequent appearances followed in 1907/08 and by November 1908 he had made only 12 first team appearances. He returned for a game at Northampton and, despite Hammers losing 6-0, retained his place. His reading of the game and leadership qualities became increasingly evident, and by the start of the 1911/12 season, he had succeeded Frank Piercy as captain of West Ham United. His reputation extended beyond club football; in 1912, he was selected to captain the Southern League representative side in matches against the Football League, Scottish League, and Irish League - an honour that underscored his standing among his peers.

 

A serious knee injury restricted him to only five appearances in 1914/15, his last game was a 2-0 win at home to Plymouth Argyle on 5 December 1914, and at the end of the season he retired from the game.

 

Over the course of his West Ham career, Randall made 189 league appearances and scored nine goals, a respectable tally for a player whose primary duties lay in defence. He passed away in Tottenham on 17 November 1946, aged 61. His tenure coincided with a formative period in the club’s history, and his steady presence helped shape the team’s identity during those pre-war years.