Thames A.F.C. up the club, despite an approach from Clapton Orient to merge the two clubs. They were replaced by Aldershot. Thames AFC should not be confused with Thames Ironworks FC, a club that had predated them by over 30 years, and would go on to be renamed West Ham United. Notable players for Thames included former England international Jimmy Dimmock, former Welsh internationals Len Davies and Moses Russell and ex-Arsenal striker Henry White. Eddie Perry went on to be a Welsh international. Thames' home colours were red and blue quartered shirts with white shorts and black socks with red and blue
1897–98 Thames Ironworks F.C. season 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, the Memorial Grounds, was opened on Jubilee Day, 1897, to coincide with the sixtieth anniversary of Queen Victoria on the throne. Thames' new home had cost £20,000 of Arnold Hills' money to build. It was situated close to where West Ham station now stands. Aside from a football pitch, the stadium contained a cycle track, a cinder running track and one of the largest outdoor swimming pools in England. It was said at the time that the