When it comes to sport, East London may be famous for its Olympic legacy but there is no doubt that football is the number one show in town.

Here at East Side Story we have looked at the 4 main clubs in East London to see which one will suit you best.

West Ham United

The History

The King of the East London footballing scene, West Ham United are one of the most adored and important sides in Britain. Founded 123 years ago under the name Thames Irons FC, they lived at their Upton Park home for over 100 years before moving into the Olympic Stadium in Stratford in 2016.

Many of England’s greatest ever players have worn the West Ham shirt over the years. None more so important than England’s World Cup winning captain Bobby Moore, who made over 500 league appearances for the team affectionately known as ‘The Hammers.’

3 FA Cups and even a European Title in 1965 firmly sets out West Ham United as the most successful club in East London

Would you be a West Ham fan?

A big fish in a small pond, you are an eternal dreamer and optimist, with a little chip on your shoulder. But despite visions of grandeur you have a good sense of humour and are a realist. As long as you are having a good time you can deal with the highs and lows of life, dining out on the few memories of greatness that have happened.

Leyton Orient

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The History

Founded all the way back in 1881, Leyton Orient have had to live in the shadow of West Ham for well over a century. Often the forgotten brother of their successful neighbours, Leyton Orient is a modest club tucked away in Leyton

Their only taste of the big time happened in the 1962-63 season when they featured in the top league, but they have spent most of their history bouncing around the lower leagues, now nestled in the 5^th tier of English football.

Despite falling on hard times in recent years both on and off the pitch, Orient are a small but proud club with a voice to be heard.

Would you be a Leyton Orient fan?

If you often feel overlooked or ignored by your parents in favour of your successful sibling then Orient is the team for you. Up for a good argument and a moan, you have strong morals and principles that you won’t relinquish. You refuse to stop driving your rusty 20 year old hatch-back car, and still have a Nokia brick phone because ‘it does everything I need it to.’ A plucky survivor, you will be OK in the end..

Millwall F.C

The History

The fighting pride of Bermondsey, Millwall F.C are an iconic football club with a history of making headlines for both the right and wrong reasons. Despite playing in South East London these days, they have maintained their heritage after being founded in the Isle of Dogs in 1885.

A team that yo-yo’s between the second and third tier of English football, Millwall are an excellent cup team, often going deep into the latter stages of the FA Cup. Quite frankly, they are a proper English team that no sides enjoy playing.

Part of the reason behind that is their notorious fans and stadium. ‘The Den’ is a classic old English stadium with stands tight to the pitch from where their fans heckle and abuse the opposition team. There fans are famous world wide for their colourful use of abusive language and physicality, and the team play a brash style of football to match!

Would you be a Millwall fan?

Millwall have a song which goes “nobody one us, we don’t care.” If that resonates with you, then Millwall is your team! Strong, proud, and perhaps at times misunderstood, you are a no nonsense person who was probably a complete pain at school. You have one pub you always go to, and glare at tourists if they stumble in by mistake. Not someone to fallout with, you are a loyal friend but a ruthless enemy.

Dagenham & Redbridge F.C

The History

Unlike their East London rivals, Dagenham & Redbridge have a fairly recent history, having been founded just 27 years ago in 1992 after Dagenham decided to merge with.. you guessed it, Redbridge.

A giant of national league and lower division football, they peaked in 2010-11 when they rose to the third division, but today you will find them languishing in the 5^th tier of the English game.

Despite being nicknamed the Daggers, there is nothing particularly vicious about this friendly team who are often respected and left alone on the outskirts of East London.

Would you be a Dagenham fan?

You are a real hipster. Unfazed by success, you appreciate the other beauties of football and sometimes wear Alpaca jumpers you brought on your gap year. You probably live in a warehouse in an inconvenient part of London because its cheap and cool but annoying for everyone else to come visit. And you are probably vegan.

Do you live in East London and have an East Side Story to tell? Get in touch! 
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