Millwall fans will meet their traditional rivals for the first time since 2012. The rivalry between the two clubs dates back to the 19th century, as Millwall Athletic and Thames Ironworks, the predecessor of today’s West Ham, played each other for the first time in 1899. Both clubs were founded by dock workers in east London, and they were separated by less than five kilometers, so the derby quickly became more than just a football match.
Millwall and West Ham fans were largely dock workers on the River Thames, often employed by competing companies that were fighting for the same business. The name Dockers’ Derby (derby of dock workers) comes from the historical background of both clubs. Their next encounter will be their 100th anniversary.
Millwall is currently the more successful team with 38 wins.
Topics: #millwall #west #ham
