Why are West Ham called The Hammers and The Irons, and which is the official nickname?
All the biggest questions about West Ham's two nicknames answered
IF you get used to watching West Ham on TV, then go to see them play for the first time, you might be confused to hear supporters singing 'Come on you Irons'.
Of West Ham's two nicknames, 'The Hammers' is used far more widely by the media.
But generally, it is 'The Irons' that has a special place in heart of supporters.
Why are West Ham called the Hammers?
Contrary to popular belief, the nickname 'The Hammers' is nothing to do with the club being called West Ham United.
Since the club was formed as Thames Ironworks in 1895, they have always had two diagonally crossing Hammers on their badge.
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The club were renamed West Ham in 1901 when they were kicked out of their Canning Town home in an ownership dispute and moved to Plaistow.
Why are West Ham called the Irons?
Both nicknames stretch back to the very beginning of the club's history.
But of the two it is likely that the Irons is ever so slightly older.
Unsurprisingly, it comes from Thames Ironworks, the original name of the team, and even in the early days, 'Come on you Irons' was known to be one of the main cries from the terraces.
Which is the official nickname?
West Ham refer to themselves as 'The Hammers' in the history section of the club's website.
However the club also recognise the nickname 'Irons'.
In previous years, 'Come on you Irons' has, at times, been written on the TV screen at West Ham home games.
Do any other teams share West Ham's nickname?
West Ham are the only football team to be called 'The Hammers'.
But Scunthorpe United share similar a similar nickname, colours and origins to West Ham.
'The Iron' are named after the iron and steel industries which led to the 19th century growth of the North Lincolnshire town.
