1931–32 West Ham United F.C. season


Season summary

The 1931–32 season was West Ham's eighth season in the First Division since their promotion in season 1922–23. The club were managed by Syd King. As a warm-up to the season West Ham completed a three match unbeaten tour of Switzerland and began the season with their first ever win at Bolton's Burnden Park. This would be one of only 12 wins all season which saw poor form for the team. February saw the return of Syd Puddefoot to the club, after ten years away, but his seven appearances and no goals did nothing to stave off relegation. West Ham gained a single point from their last 10 games, finished 22nd and bottom and were relegated to the Second Division. Vic Watson was the top scorer with 25 goals in all competitions. He was also top scorer in the league with 23. Jimmy Ruffell made the most appearances; 41 in all competitions.
Relegation for West Ham had a dramatic effect on the mental health of manager King. Suffering from delusions, these became chronic during the season and were a factor towards his sacking and death the following season.
West Ham made the fourth round of the FA Cup before being eliminated by Chelsea.

First Division">Football League First Division">First Division

Results

West Ham United's score comes first

Legend

Football League First Division

FA Cup

RoundDateOpponentVenueResultAttendanceGoalscorers
R39 January 1932Charlton AthleticA2–126,500Watson
R423 January 1932ChelseaA1–336,657Weldon

Squad