Chairperson: Matteo Martino
Founded: 2015
Facebook: Italian Irons
Twitter: @ItalianIrons
Instagram: italianironsofficial
Email: [email protected]
How did your Supporters’ Club begin?
We were a group of friends, the most based in Milan and Rome, who were already going to games before 2015. Then we wanted a name as a real Supporters’ Club, so we chose ‘Italian Irons’.
Have you always been a West Ham supporter?
Every member of our club has a different story. Most of us followed West Ham since they were young. Our Chairman, for example, was seven when he attended the first game, in 1994. Other members have followed the team since early in 1990s. The younger one, started to follow thanks to the oldest who welcomed them for a few games in recent years, helped them to plan the trips from Italy, find the match tickets – it's really hard work!
How do you follow the Hammers on a matchday?
We always prefer to fly over England the day before the game. Early breakfast on the morning of the matchday is a must, then we meet up in the pubs around Stratford with the friends who wait for us. If we are going to away games, we are helped by our English friends to plan the trip in the UK or Europe.
What is your matchday routine?
We meet friends in some pub – usually ‘Ye Olde Black Bull’ in Stratford or ‘Little Driver’ in Bow, where we wait for the game, walk to London Stadium. After the final whistle we make a quick stop to the club store, then head back to some pub to talk about the game.
How can other supporters join your Supporters’ Club?
Contact us by email or social media!
