There’s always been a “healthy” rivalry between Newcastle and West Ham. 
Two sets of fans from essentially working class backgrounds very proud of their traditions. Sometimes back in the day these rivalries boiled over, no more so than the infamous petrol bomb incident in the early 80s.
West Ham was always a fixture to look forward to home or away.
This clip below is highlights from 1986 encounter at SJP, United were rooted to the bottom of the league. This footage has some great shots of St. James’ and the crowd. There are more highlights of this game to be found on You Tube, all in 3 minute clips.
West Ham’s ICF are probably Britain’s most famous hooligan firm. They visited our fair and noble city on number occasions but never in the numbers they took elsewhere. In 2008 a film was made about the life of one of their “Top Boys” Cass Pennant. In the movie it’s alleged the ICF ,mob handed, attacked a club in Newcastle but it never happened. In this clip of the trailer you can see a Newcastle fan in B&W shirt meeting the ICF.
Many players have worn the famous Claret & Blue and our own Black & White. In the current West Ham line up there is of course Kevin Nolan. Add to that the names of Paul Goddard, Scott Parker, Andy Carroll, Paul Kitson etc. and of course both clubs current managers have managed both teams.
A player still well respected in East London and Tyneside (and Wearside for that matter) is Bryan “Pop” Robson. Sunderland born Robson was a member of the Fairs Cup winning team and went on to play for West Ham twice in his career. He is a goal of “Pop” notching for West Ham against us at Upton Park in the 1978-79 season.
TRAVIS BICKLE 
