Syd King - 1902-1932

Greatest achievement: Reaching the first Wembley cup final and securing promotion to the first division of the Football League in 1923.

Biggest mistake: Failing to recognise that no one is indispensable.

A larger-than-life character who’s better known than his players? Directors who fear to challenge him? An ability to convince the press that he knows exactly what he’s doing when many supporters are starting to have their doubts?

It’s a profile that would fit most of today’s top gaffers. It is also the story of Syd King – West Ham’s first manager, who reigned supreme at the club for 30 years.

King had played for Thames Ironworks before the factory side set up by Arnold Hills morphed into West Ham United in 1900.

At a time when team selection was left up to a committee, King continued at full-back for the newly formed professional set-up.

Then, in 1902, having been appointed club secretary the previous year, he was made team manager as well.