Syd King

Ernest Sydney "Syd" King (1 August 1873 – 14 February 1933) was a footballer and manager, and one of the most important figures in the early history of West Ham United. Playing career Born Chatham, Kent and educated at Watford Grammar School for Boys, he started his career as a full back with Northfleet and had been club captain. He once scored three own-goals when playing against Swindon Town. He transferred to New Brompton in 1897 and spent two seasons there before joining Thames Ironworks in 1899. He was considered one of the best full backs in the Southern League and "The Irons" had to immediately turn down Derby County's offer for the player. Syd' King recorded 16 appearances in their first season in the Southern League Division One, also making seven appearances in the FA Cup that year, an impressive run that ended in a 1–2 home defeat against arch-rivals Millwall Athletic.