“When Millwall hosted West Ham at the Den on Saturday, it was the 100th competitive meeting between the clubs, and the first in 14 years. The pair are separated and connected by the Thames. They were formed around the heavy industries of east London’s docklands in the late 19th century and were geographically much closer then – Millwall on the Isle of Dogs and Thames Ironworks, from which West Ham emerged, around Canning Town. Before Millwall relocated south of the Thames to New Cross in 1910, both were north of the river and only a little over two miles apart. Now the Lions, Millwall were known as the Dockers during their formative years. West Ham’s nickname, the Irons, refers to their origins among workers at the Thames Ironworks and Shipbuilding Company. Dock work was precarious and physically demanding. Men could turn up each morning with no guarantee of being chosen for work, and competition for a day’s labour could be fierce. That world fostered ideas of toughness, loyalty and hard work which still form part of how both clubs understand and present themselves. …”
Guardian
W – Millwall F.C.–West Ham United F.C. rivalry (Video)
West Ham and Millwall players shake hands before kick-off at The Den on 17 September 2011.