London League (football) London League (football) The London League was a football competition that was held in the London and surrounding areas of south-east England from 1896 until 1964. In 1896 the president of the London League was Arnold Hills founder of Thames Ironworks F.C. (which later reformed as West Ham United). One of the men who helped draft the rules of the competition was Francis Payne, club secretary of Thames Ironworks F.C. in 1897. The league started with three divisions, the 3rd Grenadier Guards winning the inaugural championship. The league fluctuated between having a single division and reaching four divisions. Before World
1896–97 Thames Ironworks F.C. season 1896–97 Thames Ironworks F.C. season The 1896–97 season was Thames Ironworks' second season after the club's formation in 1895. ""With reference to the forthcoming season, it has been decided to enter for the English Cup, London Senior Cup, West Ham Charity Cup, South Essex League senior and junior and if possible, one or two others. There will be very few dates left open for "friendly" matches, so it ought to be a good thing for the club financially." – Thames Iron Works Gazette" However, the most significant competition that Thames Ironworks would enter that season would be the London League,