1895–96 Thames Ironworks F.C. season conceded 68. 1895–96 Thames Ironworks F.C. season Thames Ironworks F.C., the club that would later become West Ham United F.C., was founded by Dave Taylor and Arnold Hills in 1895. Taylor was a foreman at the Thames Iron Works and a local football referee. Thanks to Ironworks owner Arnold Hills' financial backing, he was able to announce on 29 June 1895 the following in the company's weekly journal: Fifty would-be players paid half-a-crown for a year's membership, and Taylor spent the summer arranging the fixtures for Thames Ironworks F.C. and their reserves. Before the Irons played their first game Taylor
Rugby union in London since the development of the professional game. These have included Loftus Road as well as high Wycombe and now Coventry. Their affiliated Amateur side, Wasps FC, still play at the original ground in Acton. Another premiership team with London roots, London Irish, currently play outside Greater London, playing at the Madejski Stadium in Reading, within the London commuter belt, owned by the football club Reading F.C.. They retain their administrative and training base in Sunbury-on-Thames. Another club with London roots, London Welsh, have bounced between the Premiership and Championship in recent years, having been promoted to or relegated from the