Naturally following on from my ‘unusual football team names’ mini-series, I will now look at the most encapsulating origins of football teams’ nicknames in English football in perfect bite-size chunks. Today I will focus on the Premierleague on Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Leeds United, West Ham and Everton.
Before starting with the first club, it’s worth noting that most clubs are nicknamed something like:
- The colour, or an animal of the same colour, of their kit, like ‘the Reds’ or ‘the Blues’
- [insert team’s descriptive name like ‘City’ or ‘United’ or a shortened version]
- A generic animal that represents something strong and brave
Fortunately, there are some clubs that Wikipedia says are slightly more left-field that buck the trend. Who are they? Let’s find out:
Crystal Palace – the Glaziers
Despite now being known as the Eagles due to a rebranding in the 1970s by then-manager Malcom Allison, who sought to emulate the branding of Benfica, who were very successful at the time, Crystal Palace were solely known as ‘the Glaziers’ for quite some time before then.
The south London outfit were founded as a works team for the Crystal Palace after it’s move from Hyde Park to south London after the Great Exhibition of 1851. If you don’t know, the Crystal Palace was made predominantly out of glass and so would’ve required the work of many, many glaziers; a glazier being the trade of someone who cuts, fits and removes glass.
Arsenal – the Gunners
This one makes total sense considering Arsenal’s badge has featured a cannon since 1888. Why? If you’ve watched my video, you’d know, but if you haven’t – why are you hanging around here (link below)? But essentially, this is due to Arsenal’s ties with the Woolwich Arsenal, which was a vital munitions factory in Woolwich in the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
The club were originally formed as Dial Square, which was one of the main workshops in the factory, although this name only lasted a month before the ‘Dial Square’ became known as ‘Royal Arsenal’. The club would then be known as ‘Woolwich Arsenal’ before moving sticks to Highbury in the borough of Islington to Tottenham Hotspur’s delight.
Leeds United – the Peacocks
Unsurprisingly also called ‘the Whites’, Leeds United have also been known as the ‘the Peacocks’ through their history. Not relating to Leeds always wanting the show off in any way at all, the nickname can trace its origins back to 1897 when the Elland Road site was bought by Holbeck Rugby Club (League, not Union) from Bentley’s Brewery.
Why is this relevant? The ground was originally named the ‘Old Peacock Ground’ after the name of the pub opposite, which is still in operation. Prior to Leeds United’s formation in 1919, Leeds City played at the ground where they were known as ‘the Peacocks’ until their dissolution in 1919. Leeds United were formed as a replacement and the nickname survived. There’s no exact date when the name changed to Elland Road.
West Ham United – the Hammers/Irons/Cockney Boys/Academy of Football
West Ham were originally founded as Thames Ironworks in 1895 by a foreman, Dave Taylor, and the managing director, Arnold Hills, of the Thames Ironworks shipbuilding company situated at London’s docks. ‘The Irons’ directly comes from the original name, whilst ‘the Hammers’ is associated with shipbuilding as they hammered iron into shape. Interestingly, they were also known as the ‘tee-totallers’ due to Hills’ insistence on the players not drinking, but this name didn’t last long.
The latter two are more self-indulgent: a cockney is a person hailing from within earshot of the Bow Bells in East London, where West Ham are based, (and a small part of south London) and carries a badge of honour by those from the area. The Academy of Football relates to the number of youth players that have come from West Ham’s academy over the years, including both 1966 World Cup final goalscorers, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters, and captain Bobby Moore.
Everton – the Toffees/People’s Club/School of Science
The origins of ‘the Toffees’ comes from two possible sweet shops in the Everton area of Merseyside after Everton’s move from Anfield (yes – that Anfield) to Goodison Park in 1892. The first was a toffee shop, Mother Noblett’s, that sold Everton mints (a humbug filled with toffee) and was located opposite the lock-up featured on Everton’s badge. The second, Ye Anciente Everton Toffee, was run by Ma Bushell and was located near the Queen’s Head hotel where the first team meetings were held.
Of the final two nicknames, ‘the People’s Club’ was coined by David Moyes during his successful stint at the club between 2002 and 2013. The final nickname supposedly stuck after Derby and England legend, Steve Bloomer, calling Everton’s play ‘scientific’ due to their attractive football. Interestingly, Everton, having played in black until 1901, used to be nicknamed the ‘The Black Watch’ after the famous army regiment.
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