As West Ham United step up their pre-season preparations in Austria ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, we took the opportunity to catch up with the Austrian Irons Supporters' Club about their journey, their support for the Hammers and some of their favourite memories.
New Head Coach Julen Lopetegui has taken his players to Kitzbühel on a week-long training camp, where the majority of the Hammers’ first team squad and several young players from the Academy Under-21 development set-up will have an opportunity to impress in training and in match action against Hungarian side Ferencváros on Monday 15 July.
The Austrian Irons was officially founded in 2011, at the adequately named ‘The Tube Station’ bar in Vienna, when a handful of Hammers, including Denis Dusika and Christoph Höller, watched on TV as Robin van Persie’s double and a Theo Walcott strike earned Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal a comprehensive 3-0 win at the Boleyn Ground.
It might have been an afternoon to forget on the pitch, but off it it was the moment the Austrian Irons became a Supporters' Club. On that day, they were outnumbered by a vocal Austrian Arsenal-supporting fan club, only to take inspiration from that group and create their own, which now has 285 members.
“Back in 2011, we, the two founders, were watching the West Ham v Arsenal game in Vienna,” said Dusika. “In the same pub, the Austrian Arsenal fan club were also watching the game. After a few drinks, we were inspired to unite all Austrian West Ham United supporters and demonstrate how to watch a football game with noise and passion, and this is how the Austrian Irons was born.
“We subsequently registered our Supporters' Club as an official association in Austria, and have been recognised as an official club in Austria. The connection to West Ham is very personal, and each of our members has their own story. For our founders, it began with a trip to London in 2006 for a game against Blackburn at the Boleyn Ground. The atmosphere in the entire area around the stadium - from Plaistow to Upton Park - was so electrifying and passionate that it was unquestionable we would return and support the Club.”
West Ham have had two Austrian representatives throughout their proud 129-year history, Emanuel Pogatetz and Marko Arnautović, and Dusika labelled the latter as the ‘perfect fit’ for the Hammers, while listing him as one of the reasons for the Austrian Irons' significant progress in recent years.
“The fanbase has expanded since [Marko] Arnautović played for West Ham," Dusika continued. "We're still smaller than quite a few fan clubs of other teams, but there is a small, yet deeply passionate community of Hammers supporters in Austria.
“Arnautović was a perfect fit for the Club. He was even awarded the Hammer of the Year in 2018, and it was fantastic to see him in the Claret and Blue kit. He scored some remarkable goals and had the potential to become a true hero if he had stayed at the Club.
“Currently, we have 285 members in our Facebook group, and since 2020, our Supporters' Club has experienced significant growth. Consequently, we've established a highly active WhatsApp group for our members. Recently, we've organised group trips to games, such as visits to London Stadium and the fan zone at the [UEFA Europa] Conference League final in Prague.”
Dusika spoke about how the Austrian Irons enjoy a unique experience following the Hammers on a matchday, which includes plenty of singing and often even a drink of a special Claret and Blue shot made by the bar owner.
He said: “On a matchday, those living in or near Vienna gather at ‘The Tube Station’, a West Ham pub managed by an English-born member from Ilford, Greater London, who is also part of the Austrian Irons community. When we are there, we discuss current performances, transfer rumours, enjoy a few beers and sing together. We always sing a rendition of ‘Forever Blowing Bubbles’, and whenever we score, the bar owner activates a bubble machine and serves his own Claret and Blue West Ham shot to celebrate.
"Whether we are celebrating a win, draw, or even a loss, it's something we always enjoy together. In the unfortunate event of a loss, we immediately play the song 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life' from Monty Python after the final whistle.
“We aim to travel to London to support our beloved Club at least once a year. Last season, our members attended several Premier League and UEFA Europa League games in London. Meeting up with our West Ham friends from London or elsewhere in the UK is always a highlight of our visits.
“Prague stands out [as the best memory], as almost our entire group were celebrating together in the fan zone alongside everyone else. Walking down the hill back to the city centre, witnessing the crowd singing, waving flags and scarves, against the backdrop of Prague's stunning skyline, was truly incredible. This memory is something that will stay with us forever."
With the Hammers currently based in the Alpine resort of Kitzbühel, the Austrian Irons gave an insight into the history of the small, picturesque town, while expressing their excitement at the new era that has recently got underway at London Stadium under Lopetegui.
"Celebrities from around the globe flock to Kitzbühel, with notable figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger attending every year," Dusika confirmed. "Kitzbühel serves as a hub for summer activities such as hiking, mountain biking, golf and tennis. The town also boasts a charming historic centre adorned with traditional architecture, boutique shops, fine dining options and vibrant nightlife, making it a sought-after destination all year round.
"We are eager to see how the squad performs under new management. With Lopetegui leading the team in the upcoming season, we anticipate a revitalised energy. We are already making plans to visit again, with some of us looking forward to the London derby against Spurs in May - a fixture that always promises something special.”
To find out more about the Austrian Irons, click HERE.
