Herbert Lyon played for Leicester Fosse (1898-1900), Nelson (1900-1901), Watford (1901-1902) and Reading (1902-1903) before joined West Ham. He opened his account with two goals in his second game (Kettering). He also scored a couple against Brighton & Hove Albion and Clapton Orient in the FA Cup. However, he went to February 27th before he scored again in the league. A financial crisis meant that Syd King was forced to sell some of his best players. Lyon was transferred to Brighton & Hove Albion. Charlie Satterthwaite (Arsenal), William Kirby, (Swindon Town), James Bigden (Arsenal), William Barnes (Luton) and Fred Griffiths (New Brompton) were all sold to reduce the club's debts. On 17th March, 1905, Matt Kingsley was seen to kick Lyon during the game against Brighton & Hove Albion. This caused a crowd invasion and a near riot took place before Kingsley was sent off and Lyon was carried from the field. It was the last game Kingsley played for West Ham and after completing his suspension he was transferred to Queens Park Rangers. Lyon also played for Swindon Town, Carlisle United, and Blackpool before the outbreak of the First World War.