Henry Hird moved from Stockton on Tees to become a ships plater at the Thames Ironworks & Shipbuilding company in 1897. A very talented footballer, he immediately went into the company football team. He was the star of the 1897-1898 league winning team. After a game against Queens Park Rangers, the local paper reported: "Ironworks are a well balanced side, solid in defence, with a nippy forward line... Hird is an exceptional player both at dribbling and shooting." On 30th October, 1897, the Irons played a game against Leyton. Hird and Robert Hounsell gave the Irons a two goal lead. However, in the second-half, Leyton was awarded a dubious penalty which they converted. Hird, who was still disputing the decision after the goal had been scored, was sent off by the referee. Hird therefore became the first Hammer to get his marching orders. That season Hird scored five goals but his crosses were responsible for a lot more. Hird made 19 appearances in 1898-1899. It is not known why he only played one more game for the Irons.