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.
Season summary
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
Results West Ham United's score comes first
Legend WinDrawLoss
Football League First Division DateOpponentVenueResultAttendanceScorers 29 August 1931 Bolton WanderersA1–015,740Watson 31 August 1931 ChelseaH3–128,338Norris, Weldon, Watson 5 September 1931 MiddlesbroughH0–223,129 7 September 1931 Sheffield UnitedA0–611,055 12 September 1931 HuddersfieldA1–311,986Watson 19 September 1931 Newcastle UnitedH2–121,558Watson, Ruffell 21 September 1931 Sheffield UnitedH1–212,075Ruffell 26 September 1931 Aston VillaA2–539,619Wood, Tate (og) 3 October 1931 Leicester CityH1–420,196Weldon 10 October 1931 LiverpoolA2–223,819Weldon, Gibbins 17 October 1931 Manchester CityA1–018,310Ruffell 24 October 1931 PortsmouthH2–118,092Ruffell (2) 31 October 1931 Derby CountyA1–510,424Watson 7 November 1931 West Bromwich AlbionH1–520,685Ruffell 14 November 1931 ArsenalA1–441,028Watson 21 November 1931 BlackpoolH1–114,800Ruffell 28 November 1931 Blackburn RoversA4–28,426Barrett, Phillips, Gibbins, Watson 5 December 1931 EvertonH4–234,109 Ruffell (3), Wood 12 December 1931 BirminghamA1–419,725Watson 19 December 1931 SunderlandH2–26,505Barrett, Watson 25 December 1931 GrimsbyA1–215,132Barrett 26 December 1931 Grimsby TownH3–123,859Watson, Ruffell (2) 2 January 1932 Bolton WanderersH3–115,997Ruffell, Watson (2) 16 January 1932 MiddlesbroughA2–38,287Watson (2) 30 January 1932 Newcastle UnitedA2–231,942Cadwell, Watson 1 February 1932 Huddersfield TownH1–18,631Watson 6 February 1932 Aston VillaH2–125,438Yews, Phillips 18 February 1932 Leicester CityA1–29,983Ruffell 20 February 1932 LiverpoolH1–015,721Ruffell 2 March 1932 Manchester CityH1–113,524Chalkley 5 March 1932 PortsmouthA0–314,031 12 March 1932 Derby CountyH2–119,635Watson, Ruffell 19 March 1932 West Bromwich AlbionA1–319,002Phillips 23 March 1932 Sheffield WednesdayH1–219,794Ruffell 26 March 1932 ArsenalH1–134,852Watson 28 March 1932 Sheffield WednesdayA1–614,848Watson 2 April 1932 BlackpoolA2–713,092Morton, Watson 9 April 1932 Blackburn RoversH1–310,136Watson 16 April 1932 EvertonA1–626,997Cresswell (og) 23 April 1932 BirminghamH2–410,983Watson, Weldon 30 April 1932 SunderlandA0–213,528 7 May 1932 ChelseaA2–324,386Yews, Barrett
FA Cup
+RoundDateOpponentVenueResultAttendanceGoalscorersR39 January 1932 Charlton AthleticA2–126,500Watson (2)R423 January 1932 ChelseaA1–336,657Weldon
Squad
References