Thames Ironworks F.C. who wagered money that one of them would win. Belton defeated them, and when they were unable to pay the bet, one of the Villa players who was responsible for washing the team's kit offered a complete side's 'uniforms' to him in payment of the bet. The Aston Villa player subsequently reported to his club that the kit was 'missing'. Thames Ironworks, and later West Ham United, would continue to use their previously favoured colours for their away kits. In recent years the club have committed to a sky blue-white-dark blue rotation, each kit having a one-season shelf life. Thames
1897–98 Thames Ironworks F.C. season the season with a 100% home record. In total they had won twelve and drawn three of their sixteen London League games, only losing in the game away to Brentford. On the way to the title they had scored 47 goals and conceded 15, the best offensive and defensive record in the division. Thames Ironworks F.C. were also successful in their application to the Southern League and would begin the following season in Southern League Division Two. 1897–98 Thames Ironworks F.C. season The 1897–98 season was Thames Ironworks' third season after the club's formation in 1895. Thames Ironworks' new venue,