VIRTUAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME

CLAPTON XI

v

WEST HAM UNITED XI

Newham Virtual Challenge Trophy Saturday 32ND July 2013

Available only to Virtual Spectators on www.claptonfc.info

This is the prototype of the new Clapton FC Virtual programme. It is not intended to replace the programme that is produced and sold on match days. The

programme is sent free, 24 hours before the match, to those who buy a virtual match ticket or who are Clapton FC Virtual Season Ticket Holders.

CLAPTON FC – VIRTUALLY THE BEST TEAM IN LONDON

CLAPTON FC VIRTUAL PROGRAMME

Welcome to the prototype of the Virtual programme which will be available on-line to Vitual Matchday Ticket holders for Clapton matches this season. A Virtual Ticket costs just £1.50 and, as well as a virtual programme it is guaranteed to give you a warm glow off self content when purchasing.

THE FRIENDS OF CLAPTON FC

Clapton FC are one of the most famous amateur clubs in English football history. They not only won the FA Amateur Cup on five occasions but are recognised by the Football Association as being the first English club to play on the continent and thus instrumental in the growth of the game.

In addition, Clapton players have represented England at full International level and numerous others have progressed to the professional ranks and performed with distinction. However, as amateur football became semi-professional and beyond, Clapton's tenure as a prominent club declined. However, they continued to compete in the Isthmian League, a competition that Clapton members were instrumental in founding in 1905. In the 1990s Clapton were sadly demoted to the Essex Senior League, a competition in which they compete today. Throughout this time Clapton have played at The Old Spotted Dog Ground in Forest Gate, London and had done so since 1878. This small enclosure, buried amongst residential housing, had hosted both cricket and football before Clapton became tenants in 1888. Clapton are synonymous with the 'Spotted Dog' and it remains one of the last traditional bastions of football in the East End of London, an area that has lost great football clubs such as Walthamstow Avenue, Leytonstone and Leyton in recent years. The Clapton players of today represent the club in the great tradition of their predecessors of the yesteryear. The primary objective of the Friends of Clapton FC was to help those who run, administer and play for the Tons. These objectives include its continuance and well-being, the security of tenure at the Old Spotted Dog Ground and to promote Clapton FC's activities in an open and forthright manner so as to re-establish the club in the world of football as well as the local community. This will include the careful consideration

of where the club is going and to offer advice, help and support where necessary. Unfortunately, offers of help have been ignored or declined and, despite the activities of the Friends group in more than doubling attendances at home matches at the end of the 2012/13, those who run the entity that claim to be Clapton Football Club have declined in acknowledging the group or its efforts. Clapton FC membership has now been closed for re-structuring for some eight months and there are causes for concern, not least with regard to the club’s tenure on the ground and the manner in which the club is being administrated. Our aim is to re-establish a democratic club with a membership from which officers and committee members are elected. Despite this, our aim is to continue to support team, who's survival is important, not only to the local area, but also to the sport of association football, the development of which, owes much to the Clapton players, officials and supporters of yesteryear but is now in the hands of the lads who don the shirts of our famous old club.

Join the Friends of Clapton FC at http://www.friendsofclaptonfc.org

Save the Spotted Dog A group formed to preserve the famous old

Tudor pub that adjoins the Clapton football

ground. Save the Dog !

www.savethespotteddog.org

LOCAL BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY WEBSITES

Contact Us and we’ll include your site in our next virtual issue.

E7 Now and Then A Community Website giving the latest news from London E7 as well as a look back on the history and people of E7

http://www.e7-nowandthen.org

10 Sebert Road, Forest Gate

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @FO_Clapton FC @Clapton Ultras

OUR VISITORS

WEST HAM UNITED FC

Ground : Upton Park, Green Street,

London E13 Nickname

“The Hammers” or “The Irons”

Manager Sam Allardyce

The most important day in West Ham's history came when they were not even playing. On 30th July 1966, England won their only World Cup thanks in no small part to West Ham's Holy Trinity: the four goals came from Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters, while captain Bobby Moore lifted the trophy. The day established West Ham as one of the jewels of English football, a status that has endured. They are arguably the most important club never to win the English League.

They began as Thames Ironworks in 1895 before reforming five years later as West Ham. Their first manager, Syd King, lasted 31 years - setting a trend for longevity that has endured. West Ham have only had 13 managers in their history, the fewest of any English club, and only had five between 1901 and 1989.

King's side gained entrance to the Football League in 1921, and two years later played in the first FA Cup final at Wembley, losing 2-0 to Bolton. West Ham spent much of the next 30 years in the second tier of English football before promotion in 1958 under Ted Fenton started their golden age.

Ron Greenwood succeeded Fenton in 1961 and began to establish West Ham as a team who believed

in aesthetic football and bringing through young players, such as Hurst, Peters and Moore. They won the FA Cup in 1964, the Cup Winners Cup in 1965 and, their fans will tell you, the World Cup in 1966.

Under John Lyall, West Ham also won the FA Cup in 1975 and 1980 - the latter as a second-division club, the last such occurrence - and then, after achieving promotion back to the top flight in 1981, had

their best-ever league season in 1985-86. West Ham finished third behind Liverpool and Everton but were still in the title race on the last Saturday of the season.

A yo-yo period followed, with relegation from the top flight in 1989 and 1992, but West Ham have been in the Premier League for all but three seasons. Two of those came after an unexpected

relegation in 2002-03, when they spent the whole season being told they were too good to go down only to do precisely that.

A return to the top flight followed and a painful FA Cup final defeat to Liverpool in 2006, losing on penalties after an extraordinary 3-3 draw.

Struggles at the lower end of the Premier League became uncomfortably frequent. Alan Curbishley resigned and was replaced by the club's first foreign manager: Gianfranco Zola; soon followed by the second in Avram Grant who oversaw their eventual relegation in 2010-11 after a poor season.

Under the guidance of former Bolton boss Sam Allardyce, West Ham bounced right back as they won the Championship play-off to seal promotion at the first attempt. Last season, the Hammers established themselves as Premier League outfit and, with the close season sign of Andy Carroll, have serve notice that they do now intend to rid themselves of the yo-yo label. The Hammers' production of young players - primarily under Tony Carr, who has been at the club since

1973 - has led to the club being called 'The Academy'. The roll call includes Moore, Hurst, Peters, Sir Trevor Brooking, Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick and Glen Johnson. It's a key element of a club who have always been a compelling mix of purity and anarchy, imbued with an edgy East End glamour.

As a football club, West Ham are undeniably unique.

Competitive matches between Clapton and West Ham United West Ham United vs. Clapton 1-1 08/12/1900 FA Cup 5th Q

Clapton vs. West Ham United 2-3 12/12/1900 FA Cup 5th Q replay

Clapton vs. West Ham United 0-3 14/11/1903 FA Cup 4th Q

CLAPTON FC

A history

Ground : The Old Spotted Dog ground

Nickname “The Tons” or “The Doggies”

Manager Chris Wood

In August 1977, a bare 14 years after the formation of the Football Association – W.R Davies invited his friends to his father’s

house at 11 Queensdown Road, Clapton, London E5. From that meeting Downs FC was born. A year later, the club was

renamed Clapton FC with Davies as the first honorary secretary and treasurer. For three years the club played on Hackney

Downs with the Downs Hotel as its headquarters. Then a move was made to Lea Bridge Road where Clapton FC spent most of

its early infancy. In 1887/88, Clapton won their first trophy, the London Junior Cup by beating Edmonton 5-0.

In 1888, Clapton replaced St Bartholomew’s Hospital as tenants on the enclosure in Upton Lane, now known as the Old Spotted

Dog Ground. The yearly rental of £35, paid to Landlady Mrs Vause, was a considerable sum in those days. Four thousands

spectators saw the first game on the new ground when Clapton defeated Old Carthusians, a strong and famous amateur team of

the day. By the end of the season, Clapton had also won the London Senior Cup by defeating Casuals at Kennington Oval by 4

goals to 2. Middlesex Senior Cup was lifted in the same season and a notable result was Clapton Reserves’ 4-2 victory over

Tottenham Hotspur at Northumberland Park.

By now, the Tons were able to hold their own with the best teams in the south of England. In 1890 the crossed the channel and

were he first English club to play a match on the continent when they beat a Belgian XI in Antwerp by 7 goals to nil. At home,

Clapton were instrumental in the formation of the Southern League (now Evo Stick League) in 1892 and the following season were

one of the original entrants for the first season of the FA Amateur Cup. In 1896, Clapton became founder members of the London

League, a competition that included Thames Ironworks (now West Ham United) and achieved the distinction in reaching the final

of the London Charity Cup for six successive years. It was after the 1904 final that from a discussion that took place between

officials of Clapton and Casuals and Mr Henry J Huband that the seeds were sown for the establishment of the Isthmian League.

Clapton were runners up in the inaugural season of the league and remained members until 2006

The first 25 years of Clapton’s history were the years of growth and leadership; the 25 years were of spectacular success. From

1903-1928, (20 competitive seasons due to WW1) Clapton appeared in 6 Amateur Cup Finals, winning on five occasions. The

won the Isthmian league twice, and were runners up four times and, during this period, they won, on at least one occasion, every

other amateur competition for which they entered. Such a record of accomplishment is second to none.

Before, and after, the club’s golden period in the 1920s a host of International players have worn the red and white stripes of

Clapton FC. In fact the club can boast to have had more full International players than amateurs and, former Clapton stalwart

Stanley Earle, was the last amateur to play for the full England team when with West Ham United. Other than a seventh position

held in 1936, Clapton started to regularly end up in the bottom half of the Isthmian League. The Second World War interrupted the

Isthmian campaigns and, as a result, Clapton played in the South Essex Combination. After Easter 1940, the Old Spotted Dog

was used as a munitions store and Clapton moved into Ilford’s Newbury Park ground to play their matches. By co-incidence, Ilford

had used the Old Spotted Dog for similar reasons during the first War.

Clapton never recovered the standards of the twenties when the Isthmian League re-started after the war. In 1952-53, for the first

time in 50 years, they finished bottom of the League. However, the club were still pioneering. On 7th December 1953 the first

competitive all- amateur match under floodlights took place at Upton Park when Clapton played Barking in an Essex Thameside

Trophy replay. The ground was made available to Clapton by the Hammers to mark the 75th anniversary of the Tons.

The honours won during the 1960s were mainly confined to three AFA Invitation Cup wins and following the expansion of the

Isthmian League and the emergence of semi – professionalism, the Tons invariably struggled and duly slipped into the lower

divisions.In the 1980 and 90s despite a lack of success on the field, the Clapton stand on their amateur policy has seen other

clubs who, having flirted with professionalism, have revert back to the old code rather than go the way of so many famous football

clubs of the past.

Sadly, after over 100 years of unbroken membership of the Isthmian League, the club dropped into the Essex Senior League in

2006. However, the outstanding achievement of recent years was the establishment of the Clapton Trust which successfully

secured a 99 year lease on the ground in 1992. The original members of the Trust, consisted of Clapton members and former

Newham Mayor Alderman Arthur Edwards. In securing the ground, against all odds, Clapton has survived whilst other great east

London clubs such as Walthamstow Avenue, Leytonstone, and Leyton are no more.

The club, which is now looking forward to it’s 136th year, now has every chance of continuing to flourish and it is incumbent upon

the present officers of the club to establish an open and democratic membership which will encourage more community

involvement by which Forest Gate can, once again, identify with their football club who, despite their name, have been resident in

Newham, even before West Ham United (Thames Ironworks) were formed.

PLAYER SPONSORS

2013/14

PLAYER SPONSOR PLAYER SPONSOR

PEPE DIAGNE GAVIN

CLARKE

BEN LOWES (Team Capt.)

ZAC ATTAN

NICK READ OKIE SAYLER

JAMIE POOLEY PETER MOORE

SAM NAYLOR ROB ARUNDEL

JOHNNY HUGHES NEIL MATTHEWS

BRANDON MARTIN G.V.O

MITCH LEWES

CRAIG GREENWOOD (Club Capt.) ANDREW

BARR

JERRY JANNETTE

LEWIS ROWLAND BILLY RUNGAY

DJRIBREL ROY JONES

FEMI COKER WES DE OLIVERA

STEFAN NEILSEN MARK NURSE (Coach)

MATT TACEY CORY ALLEYNE

It costs just £50 to sponsor a player for the season. In return we will give you, or your business, an acknowedgement in each of the Virtual Programmes and on our website thoughout the season.

PLUS - A FREE CLAPTON REPLICA SHIRT (L or XL)

or a CLAPTON SCAFFOLD BRIGADA SCARF Email info@claptonfc.info

All proceeds from the player sponsorship, virtual tickets and iMatch Programmes will be used to help the team, buy equipment, assist with travel costs to away matches, wash the kit etc. (the expenses which would normally be incurred by a football club at this level).

CLAPTON PLAYERS OF THE PAST

CLYDE HONEYSETT (C.H.) PURNELL Olympic Gold medal Winner 1908, FA Amateur Cup Winner, England Amateur International

Clyde Honeysett Purnell was born on the 14 May 1877 and developed into one of the greatest all round sportsmen ever produced by the Isle of Wight. He was the son of John and Emily Purnell, his father being an auctioneer and upholsterer in Ryde High Street. The family had sporting inclinations with his brother Jas. B, who was later an Alderman and Mayor of Ryde, playing for and later being on the committee of Ryde Football Club. Clyde’s sporting prowess extended to Water Polo, Athletics, Cricket, Lawn Tennis, Football, Cycling, Tobogganing, Ping-Pong and Billiards for all of which he gained awards.

As a youth, Clyde played football for Ryde Rovers along with his brother before moving to work in London where he joined the Olympic Sporting Club. He was elected club captain when only 18. He was a keen cricketer and headed the batting averages of the Olympic Club for several seasons. If it had not been for business ties he would almost certainly have played county cricket. He was the winner of the club’s Pre-eminence Cup on every occasion it was competed for during his seven year membership. He was in the winning team in the City of London Lawn Tennis Shield competition for five successive years up to 1902 and was in the team which won the London Water Polo Shield, being vice-captain of the team. He was the club 100 yards champion for seven years.

Clyde picked up F.A. Amateur Cup runners up medal in 1905, at Shepherd's Bush, where Clapton were beaten in the Final, 3-2 by West Hartlepool, Purnell scored both the Clapton goals that day.

Two years later in 1907 he won the F.A. Amateur Cup with Clapton and scored in the 6-0 thrashing of Eston United in the final. He went on later that year to gain his first international cap against Ireland.

However, the pinnacle of his football career was when he played for the gold medal winning Great Britain international amateur squad in the 1908 Olympic Games at inside left. The triumphant British team began their Olympic campaign with a 12 - 1 thrashing of Sweden, Clyde scoring four times, Holland were beaten 4 - 0 in the Semi - Final and Denmark 2 - 0 in the Final. Clyde Purnell won 4 England Amateur International caps and played representative football for Hampshire, Middlesex and London once scoring eight times for Middlesex against Berks and Bucks.

Fittingly for a sportsman Clyde Purnell, who worked as a traveller for a firm of sports outfitters, collapsed and died at Folkestone Racecourse on 14 August 1934 aged 57 leaving a widow and a son. The funeral was held at Golders Green Crematorium

The next virtual programme will feature William Vivian Talbot (Viv) Gibbins, an England International at a full and amateur level who served both Clapton and West Ham United as an amateur player.

DID YOU KNOW ?

The Old Spotted Dog is the oldest senior football ground in London. Clapton's highest recorded victory is a huge 9 - 0 win against Ipswich Town in the 1904/05 FA Amateur Cup. Whereas their biggest recorded defeat is a mammoth 0 - 14 loss to Nottingham Forest in the 1890/91 FA Cup.

THE FRIENDS OF CLAPTON FOOTBALL CLUB

To Help & Not Hinder

Upon it’s formation in November 2012, the primary objectives of the Friends of Clapton FC was to help and not hinder those who run, administer and play for the Tons. In the ensuing months it has become apparent

that support of the present regime who run, what they purport to be, Clapton Football Club, is a difficult task to reconcile with these objectives. It has become clear, that our hope for a club run by fans, with an open membership, democratically elected officers and committee and transparency in its affairs is not on the agenda of the present incumbent(s). Our concerns are not only for the club but for the tenure on the ground and the continuance of Clapton FC to be able to use the ground as they have since 1887. The Newham Community Leisure Trust Limited

(NCLT) holds a 99 year lease on the Old Spotted Dog Ground. NCLT was formed by members of the club in 1992 and the company attained charitable status shortly thereafter. In 2000, the present Clapton ’Chief Executive’ gained control of the club and the Trust and since then, poor management, coupled with no little self interest, have seen the lease on the brink of forfeiture, the company struck off for 4 years (although now re-instated) and membership of Clapton FC closed, apparently for re-structuring. We are aware that, in spring 2013, the FA was told by the Chief Executive that there were all of

ten members of the club, now calling themselves the Clapton Members Club. Our offers of help, both with administration and, most recently, financial help towards kit etc, has been met with either silence, deluded diatribes in the local paper or, more recently, aggressive and intimidating correspondence implying interference with affairs at the club. Despite this, the Friends of Clapton will continue to support the team. Issues relating to the club and the

NCLT will be resolved eventually and we are continuing to lobby football supporters and journalists to help us in achieving our above objective of a fan owned, accountable club. There is plenty more information available, most of which is of public record and we make this available to our members and those interested in helping restore our great old club to credibility within the game. Our group is not maverick, vindictive or opportunistic. Within our membership we have the three existing

life members of the club, two of which were the original subscribers to NCLT and signatories on the lease. We also have ex-Clapton players and staff, relatives of legendary Clapton players from the early 20th century, all of whom wish to return our club to the values which served it so well until recent times. A year’s membership of the Friends of Clapton costs just £5. You can join us by clicking here. Please forward any questions or enquiries to secretary@friendsofclaptonfc.org

NEXT HOME MATCHES Tuesday 13th August 2013. Kick Off 7.45pm

CLAPTON v TOWER HAMLETS

Essex Senior League Buy A Virtual Ticket Here

Saturday 17th August 2013. Kick Off 3.00pm

CLAPTON v STANWAY ROVERS

FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round Buy A Virtual Ticket Here

CLAPTON SOUVENIRS AND MERCHANDISE CLAPTON SCARVES AVAILABLE NOW

ONLY £7.00 OR £5.00 UNWAGED ETC Click here

CLAPTON ENAMEL BADGES 100 YEARS AT THE OLD SPOTTED DOG

£ 3.50 each click here

CLAPTON FC

FIXTURES 2013/14

Sat 10/08/13 ESL Bowers and Pitsea AWAY 3.00PM

Tue 13/08/13 ESL Tower Hamlets HOME 7.45PM

Sat 17/08/13 FA CUP Stanway Rovers HOME 3.00PM

Sat 24/08/13 ESL Takeley HOME 3.00PM

Tue 27/08/13 ESL London Bari AT THE OLD

SPOTTED DOG 7.45PM

Sat 31/08/13 FA Cup Prelim Rd (provisional) HOME COME ON

YOU TONS !!!

If we beat Stanway Rovers we will play Mildenhall or Sawbridgeworth at home

Tue 03/09/13 ESL Haringey Borough HOME 7.45PM

Sat 07/09/13 ESL Hullbridge Sports AWAY 3.00PM

Sat 14/09/13 ESL London APSA HOME 3.00PM

Sat 21/09/13 FA VASE Wotton Blue Cross AWAY 3.00PM

Sat 28/09/13 ESL Basildon United AWAY 3.00PM

Tue 01/10/13 ESL Ilford HOME 7.45PM

Sat 05/10/13 ESL Stansted AWAY 3.00PM

Sat 12/10/13 ESL Sawbridgeworth Town HOME 3.00PM

Sat 19/10/13 ESL Eton Manor HOME 3.00PM

Sat 24/10/13 ESL Southend Manor AWAY 3.00PM

UNABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE GAME?

Buy a Virtual Match Ticket from just £1.50

Includes a Virtual Matchday i-programme

WWW.CLAPTONFC.INFO

Support Your Local Team !

The next i-Match Programme for the visit of Tower Hamlets FC will feature articles on our visitors, the Clapton Ultras, former player Vivian Gibbins, the save the Spotted

Dog campaign and an exclusive interview with a Clapton player. Buy a virtual match ticket and make sure you get your copy!

www.claptonfc.info/virtickets/towerh.htm

This season’s Non league Day takes place on Saturday 7th September. This is the day when Premier League fixtures don’t take place and fans of the big clubs are invited to go along to their local team and support the. This season we are away at Hullbridge Sports, whilst we appreciate it is hardly a local fixture, we cordially invite any West Ham fans to come along to he game and show support for the Tons. (It’s closer than Swansea!) Further details of the game will follow in

our next imatch programme but please, stick this in your diary and get behind the lads !

This article is written for supporters of our neighbours up the road at Upton Park, West Ham United FC who we cordially invite to come along to the Dog and lend their support

for the Tons.

HAMMERS AND TONS

EAST END NEIGHBOURS

Just over a mile from the Boleyn Ground, in Upton Lane Forest Gate, lies the Old Spotted Dog Ground, home to Clapton Football Club. Hidden behind what is the old, unfortunately abandoned, Spotted Dog pub, one can easily not have noticed it. Equally, fans of the Hammers may not realise that, on their doorstep, there is a football club with an unrivalled pedigree in non-league football and, who have indelible links with West Ham United. Clapton FC have won the FA Amateur Cup on no less than five occasions and are recognised by the Football Association as being the first English club to play on the continent. They have had both full and amateur international player pass through their ranks, most notably Stanley Earle, who was later to sign professional forms with the Hammers in 1926 and Vivian Gibbins, an amateur with West Ham, before becoming an iconic figure with the Tons. It was on the Old Spotted Dog Ground that Thames Ironworks FC won their first trophy of note, the West Ham Charity Cup, beating Barking FC in 1896. Since then, Clapton and West Ham United have met in both competitive and non competitive matches. In the early 1900s, the Hammers came to the Dog on two occasions to knock ‘the Tons’ out of the FA Cup, once after a reply. West Ham have used the Old Spotted Dog Ground for their Boys and "A" teams, and many illustrious names have run out at "The Dog" before they made their mark. However, one remarkable game was an 11-0 victory for the Hammers at Upton Park in September 1957. John Lyall and Bobby Moore were among those who have played for West Ham Colts that night. See programme (right - click to enlarge) Friendly matches have included a ‘Festival of Britain game in 1951 and, in 1966, a match to inaugurate the new floodlights. The Hammers team was packed with stars, including Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst. In true Clapton style, these illustrious names had to wait for a late kick off due to floodlight failure. Oh well, it’s Clapton FC, Innit? Matches have taken place since but, as the Old Spotted Dog aged, the ground became less a attractive place to bring your potential stars for friendly match, albeit during the 80s West Ham were annual visitors during pre-season. In addition, West Ham United have been good friends to Clapton for many years in that they have allowed Clapton play matches at Upton Park An FA Cup 3

rd Round match against Swindon Town in 1926 attracted a crowd of 27,100 and another, between Clapton and

Barking FC in the Essex Thameside Trophy, was the first all amateur match to be played under floodlights. These days Clapton, still upholding their amateur policy, play in the Essex Senior League. Results could be better, but the spirit among the newly formed supporters club is high. The Old Spotted Dog does not play host to the crowds of yesteryear but the atmosphere at this old English amateur stadium, buried amid terraced houses in London’s East End, is unique and is unfortunately becoming a rarer experience for the devoted football fan. Lifetime West ham fan, and Clapton supporters club member, Gavin Clarke has caught the bug. “Matches at the Dog are an experience” he says. “At Clapton, I feel part of the game, the club and its tradition. It is important that clubs like Clapton continue, not only to survive, but also flourish, at their level and they deserve the support of local people. I have no doubt that any West Ham fans will be made very welcome at the Old Spotted Dog and, you never know, may want to come back when the Hammers do not have a game”

The relationship between Clapton and West Ham United dates back to the 8th December 1900, the year the Thames Ironworks re-formed as West Ham United, when they met in the F.A. Cup 5th qualifying round. The first game was at West Ham's Memorial Ground in Canning Town and the game ended in a 1-1 draw. West Ham ran out 3-2 victors in the replay played at the Old Spotted Dog. They met again, in the F.A. Cup, in a 4th qualifying round tie on 14th November 1903, the professionals of West Ham were victorious again over the amateurs of Clapton three goals to nil in the tie played at the Old Spotted Dog.

The Thames Ironworks team won their very first trophy, the inaugural West Ham Charity Cup, when they beat Barking at the third attempt, at the Old Spotted Dog in 1896. The first match finished in a 2-2 draw on 21st March 1896, the second also finished even, this time 0-0 on 28th March 1896. The tie was eventually settled on 20th April 1896 in a second replay, when Thames Ironworks won the game by a score of 1-0. The competition was so named because of the county borough of West Ham, now Newham, not the football team itself. Clapton themselves were five times winners and four times runners up of

the West Ham Charity Cup.

West Ham used to use the Old Spotted Dog grounds for their Boys and "A" teams, many illustrious names have run out at "The Dog" before they made their mark in the world, including, none other than, the current West Ham United Chairman, David Gold, it's the ground where he made his West Ham United debut. Here is a link to a programme for a tie between West Ham United and Clapton Colts sides in the 1957 F.A. Youth Cup, held at the Boleyn Ground. Note some of the players in the line ups, for "Tons" is Stan Earl in goal and for the Hammers, Joe Kirkup, Harry Cripps John Lyall and Bobby Moore in defence. Unsurprisingly, West Ham won this game, they had reached the previous seasons final, however the 11-0 thumping that occurred was not expected.

The first friendly match between the two teams was in 1938. But it would take another 13 years before the two clubs would meet again. It was a 1951 Festival of Britain match that would re-unite the two close neighbours.

Then a further gap of 15 years passed before West Ham United brought their 3 World Cup Winners to "The Dog", World Cup Winners at The Old Spotted Dog!!. The 1966 game was held to officially open Clapton's new floodlights, which were installed just a few weeks earlier. West Ham arrived packed with stars, a full strength first team was sent, including Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters, but even they had to wait as the game was interrupted, due to a floodlight failure!!. As the 80's arrived, the friendship between Clapton and West Ham United appeared stronger than ever with yearly friendlies taking place, some of which were played for the Lee Rackett Memorial Trophy. The Lee Rackett Memorial Trophy was an annual match played in memory of Lee Rackett, whose life was tragically taken at the age of just 19, in a car accident in 1967. Lee was an all-round sportsman who played many outstanding games for representative teams and for Clyde A.O.B., Fairburn House and Red House Football Clubs. One time Clapton Manager, Bernie Dixson, was also involved in this accident, but escaped with serious leg and head injuries, which ended his promising playing career. The Inaugural Lee Rackett Memorial Trophy match took place in 1968. 1981's meeting saw Ray Houghton grace the Old Spotted Dog pitch in a 3-1 victory for the Hammers, with Terry Sorenson scoring for the Tons. Whilst in 1982 Tony Mercer scored Clapton's only goal in a 2-1 defeat. Clapton had former West Ham United and Leicester City keeper Colin Mackleworth between the sticks.

The 1983 match saw the first competitive appearance of Ray Stewart for West Ham, with George Parris and Bobby Barnes scoring for the Hammers and George Omaboe replying for the Tons. The match looked to be heading for a draw until a last minute winner for West Ham. The West Ham side that day also included Paul Brush, Alan Dickens and Tony Cottee. West Ham's visit in 1984 saw Clapton achieve off a 3-3 draw with Paul Davies, Alan Shirley and Chris Sharples scoring for the Tons. A year later West Ham left the Dog with a 3-1 victory. Billy Partridge scored Clapton's only goal, from the penalty spot. West Ham's side included Potts, Brush, Parris, Whitton, Dickens, Keen and Swindlehurst. 1986's visit saw a more dominant 5-1 win for the Hammers. Jason Apps scored for Clapton, West Ham's team included Steve Whitton, Paul Ince, Steve Potts, Geoff Pike, Paul Hilton and the legend that is Billy Bonds. The visit of 1990 saw the likes of Alan McKnight, Tommy McQueen, Kevin Horlock, George Parris and Leroy Rosenior take to the pitch for West Ham.

West Ham United vs. Clapton 1-1 08/12/1900 FA Cup 5th Q

Clapton vs. West Ham United 2-3 12/12/1900 FA Cup 5th Q replay

Clapton vs. West Ham United 0-3 14/11/1903 FA Cup 4th Q

West Ham have been good neighbours to the Tons and have hosted several matches that Clapton have competed in, sometimes to create a spectacle and sometimes due to crowd concerns. The match against Swindon Town, in 1926, attracted a crowd of 27,100, a crowd that the Old Spotted Dog just could not have held, although it did take a crowd of over 7,000 for the second round tie against Ilford. The Essex Thameside Trophy match between Clapton and Barking was making history, it was the first all amateur tie to be played under floodlights. Equally historic was Clapton's visit to Upton Park in March 1958. This tie, between Clapton and Ilford, was the first Isthmian League match to be played under lights.

Friendly matches between Clapton and West Ham United

Clapton vs. West Ham United 2-4 1938

Clapton vs. West Ham United 1-1 1951 Festival of Britain

Clapton vs. West Ham United 0-6 1966 1st Floodlit game @The Dog

Clapton vs. West Ham United 1-3 1981/82

Clapton vs. West Ham United 1-2 1982/83

Clapton vs. West Ham United 2-4 16/08/83 Lee Rackett Memorial Trophy

Clapton vs. West Ham United 3-3 1984/85 Lee Rackett Memorial Trophy

Clapton won 7-6 on penalties

Clapton vs. West Ham United 1-3 13/08/85 Lee Rackett Memorial Trophy

Clapton vs. West Ham United 1-5 19/08/86 Lee Rackett Memorial Trophy

Clapton vs. West Ham United 20/08/90

Clapton matches held at West Ham United Clapton vs. Swindon Town 2-3 09/01/1926 F.A. Cup Third Round

Clapton vs. Grays Athletic 3-3 1944/45 Essex Senior Cup Final

Clapton vs. Grays Athletic 1-2 1944/45 Essex Senior Cup Final Replay

Clapton vs. Barking 3-5 1953/54 Essex Thameside Trophy 1st Round Replay

Clapton vs. Ilford 1-2 31/03/1958 Isthmian League

An Special Invitation to West Ham United Fans

Whilst Clapton FC cannot necessarily boast the best achievements on the field in recent years nor, for that matter, the best ground or facilities, it has retained a special place in football and in the hearts of football supporters.

The Clapton Supporters would very much like to welcome any West Ham fans who cannot get to the Irons' away games or who might be a bit strapped in these difficult times in affording to attend premier League games.

We can assure you of a good atmosphere amongst the crowd, a truly loyal, determined and committed squad of players and team management and a football club that is very much on the edge of moving forward despite difficult times in the recent past.

Our aim, as supporters, is to change the inward looking, exclusivity of the present regime at Clapton into bringing about a fan owned, democratic club in which everybody has a voice and a contribution to make.

Send us an email here and we will ensure that you receive a list of our fixtures.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Dog soon

CLAPTON V BARNET

FA Cup 1st Qual. Round - Sunday 16th Sept. 1990, Kick 12 noon – Played at Dagenham FC

The pairing of the Tons with Barry Fry’s Barnet side was one of the strange events of the early rounds

of the season’s FA Cup competition. The Tons had defeated Felixstowe 5-2 in the previous round and

Barnet, because of their poor showing in the competition the years before, were required to compete

amongst the minnows.

Once it became apparent that the Bees had to visit the Old Spotted Dog their chairman, Mr Stan

Flashman, contacted the FA to object to his team having to play in such basic surroundings, given

that his club had such a following of supporters. The Police were consulted, and made the

decision that the Tons had to forfeit ‘home advantage’. With Mr Flashman rubbing his hands at the

thought of a match at Underhill, an official ‘declared’ gate of 400 when the place would be heaving, Clapton

Secretary Andrew Barr, became inundated with offers of help from non-league clubs wishing to ensure ‘fair play’. Hendon

FC, Aveley, Leyton Wingate and, inevitably, Met Police FC, were among those who offered their grounds, free of charge as

an alternative venue. In the end it was the offer from Norman Sparrow, Secretary of Dagenham FC which was accepted,

although this meant playing at noon on the Sunday. Barnet were officially disappointed, Barry Fry extremely kind and

diplomatic, and Mr Flashman spitting feathers.

Entrance to the match costs £3.50 and included a 22 page programme. Within the pages was a history of both clubs and

pen pictures of both squads. The Clapton team, managed by Mickey Cleaver, included many players who had completed

over 100 appearances for the Tons. Iconic keeper Brian Balkwill, local lads Chris (Smike) Driscoll and Dave Fahy and

Daren Holding, a cultured and classy centre back who hailed from the Isle of

Dogs. The Barnet side, as one would imagine of a club who had finished

Conference runners up the previous season, was littered with players who

had, or who were about to attain Football League experience. Keeper Gary

Phillips (Brentford), Mick Bodley (Chelsea, Edwin Stein (Luton) and Andy

Clarke, who a few months later was to sign for Wimbledon for £250,000.

Many expected Clapton’s amateur team to be routed by Barry Fry’s non

league pros. However, although Barnet were superior in every department,

and only a spirited and determined effort by the Tons kept the score to just

0-2. In fact, Barnet’s second goal only came from the penalty spot after

professional diving theatrics that Ashley Young would be proud of today.

The match finished with hand shakes and cheers for Clapton’s gallant

effort. Barry Fry, who was kind and had behaved impeccably throughout

the events leading up to the game, was extremely complementary to the

team and conciliatory. Mr Flashman was absent.

After the game, the Clapton dressing room was filled with singing and laughter, whereas through the walls of Victoria Road,

one could hear Barry Fry having a good old ‘tear up’ on his squad (no hair dryer available at Victoria Road) which only

served to heighted the volume of jollity amongst the Tons players next door.

It was left for the Clapton lads to return to the Old Spotted Dog for a ‘Sunday session’ in the bar and a good time was had by

all. The Tons may not have carried off a giant killing act but no one had expected them to do so. However, they had shown

one of the non- league big boys of the day that the spirit of Clapton FC survives and that, not only did we have friends in the

game who would help us in times of need, we knew how to enjoy our football.

That season, Barnet progressed to the 3rd

round of the FA Cup where they were beaten by Portsmouth. At the end of the

campaign they were promoted to the Football League.

Following the game Mr Flashman contacted the club and demanded half of the remaining programmes as these formed part

of the gate money. He was told that he could collect them from the Old Spotted Dog. He never did.

In the next iMatch programme we recall how, in 1983, Southend United came unstuck at the Old Spotted Dog

A MONTAGE OF OUR FRIENDLY V HARWICH & PARKESTON FC. 20/07/13

© DAVID BAUCKHAM CENTRE CIRCLE PUBLISHING THE ONION BAG

THE LINE UPS

CLAPTON XI

Red and White Striped Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks Manager : Chris Woods Assistant : Neil Day

MATCHBALL

Sponsored by the Friends of

Clapton FC

WEST HAM UTD XI Sky Blue Shirts, Shorts & Socks. Manager : Sam Allardyce

H. (HARRY) EARLE

Father of SGJ Earle and goalkeeper. Formidable player with fiercesome ‘tache’. Declared to be a professional when he accepted a wedding present of furniture. Transferred to Notts

County.

PHIL PARKES Holds the record for the most appearances by a West Ham goalkeeper having arrived at Upton lane via Walsall and QPR. Phil won 1 England Cap at Full and Under 21 level.

J.F. (JIM) CRUSSELL Young player signed to replace WI Bryant who emerged to become the Clapton talisman of his day. England Amateur

International and a Clapton man through and through.

JULIAN DICKS Very popular defender and 4 times winner of the Hammer of the Year. Made over 100 appearances for the irons. Later

managed at Non league level.

GEORGE MALE England International Full Back (19 caps) who left the Dog for Highbury. He won 4 League Championships as

well as the FA Cup with the Gunners.

FRANK LAMPARD SNR East Ham born England International Frank played 551 games for the irons, having started in the youth set up. He has a

famous son.

MICKEY CLEAVER Ex- Spurs junior who played football for Barking, Hornchurch and Clapton amongst others. Manager of Clapton in 1989, the

last occasion silverware was won, when they lifted the Essex Senior trophy.

BOBBY MOORE Cited by Pele as the best defender he has ever played against, Bobby made over 540 appearances for the irons. Possibly the

best English player of all time. Gained 108 England caps and lifted the World Cup in 1966.

VIC ABRAMSON Vic played in every position for Clapton, including goalkeeper

during the 1950s. He was a member of the Clapton team, and scored, on the last occasion the Tons won the Essex Senior Cup in 1955.

ALVIN MARTIN Born in Liverpool but was a product of the West Ham’s youth

system. An England International (17 caps) who made over 600 appearances for the Irons.

V.R. (VIC) MAYS ‘Mr Clapton’ during the 40s and 50. Reliable, loyal one-club man who was the mainstay of the Clapton half back line for many years before joining the club Committee.

BILLY BONDS Holds the record number of first team appearances for the Hammers. Twice winner of an FA Cup medal and later served the club as Team manager.

C.W. (BILL) CABLE Unsung hero of the great Clapton teams of 24 and 25. A dedicated Claptonian who, after he finished playing, assisted WVT Gibbins with Clapton team management.

SIR TREVOR BROOKING Club talisman who made over 500 appearances for the cub and gained 47 England caps. Knighted in 2004, he is now the director of football development at the FA

MIGUEL DE SOUZA Born in Newham and progressed through the ranks at Clapton before playing the professional game for a host of League

teams. His son, Reiss has also turned out for the Tons.

PAULO DI CANIO Scored 48 goals in 118 games in four years whilst at Upton Park. Has also played for Lazio, Juventus, AC Milan and

Celtic. Now manger of Sunderland

W.V.T (VIV) GIBBINS Clapton legend who played for West Ham as an amateur before returning to the Dog to enjoy great success with the Tons.

England International and Full and Amateur level.

ANDY CARROLL Record signing from Liverpool. An old fashioned style centre forward who will lead the West Ham forward line in their aim to

improve on a good first season back in the premiership.

S.G.J. (STAN) EARLE England International at Full and Amateur level and winner of an

FA Amateur Cup winner’s medal in 1924. Left Clapton in 1925 to sign professional terms with West Ham United where he made 273 appearances

GEOFF HURST The only player to score a hat trick in aWorld Cup Final. He

has scored over 180 goals for the hammers in a 13 year period at the club. Also played for Stoke City and played County Cricket for Essex.

W.D. (WALTER) TULL Football legend, gentleman and war hero. Amateur Cup winner in 1909. Left Clapton to play for Spurs and Northampton Town.

Visit www.crossingthewhiteline.com

FRANK MCAVENNIE Scottish international forward who, in two spells at Upton Park, scored 49 goals. Also played for Celtic, St Mirren and

Aston Villa

C.H. (CLYDE) PURNELL Olympic Gold medallist in 1908 London Games, England

International and Amateur Cup winner. A prolific goal scorer for the Tons.

MARTIN PETERS Plaistow born, Martin played in every position for the Irons in

his 302 appearances. World Cup winner. 67 England caps and 1 world cup winners medal

THANK YOU FOR READING OUR PROTOTYPE iMATCH PROGRAMME. WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT.

CLAPTON FC – VIRTUALLY THE BEST TEAM IN LONDON