Frank Piercy

Frank Piercy was born in Haverton Hill in 1880. After leaving school he became a blacksmith who played amateur football in the Teesiders Minor League.

In 1899 he joined Middlesbrough and two years later became a full-time professional. However, he only played four games in the first-team during his time at the club.

Syd King persuaded Piercy to join West Ham United in 1904. He joined a team that included Charlie Simmons, Herbert Bamlett, William McCartney, Jack Flynn, John Russell, Jack Fletcher, Billy Bridgeman, Christopher Carrick, George Hilsdon, Matt Kingsley, David Gardner, Len Jarvis and Tommy Allison. In his first season Piercy played in 33 of the 34 Southern League games.

West Ham finished up in 11th place in the Southern League in the 1905-06 season Top scorer was Harry Stapley with 9 goals in 13 games. Other scorers included Lionel Watson (7), Billy Bridgeman (5), Fred Blackburn (5), George Kitchen (4) and Billy Grassam (3).

West Ham United looked a much better balanced team in the 1906-1907 season. The defence that included Piercy, George Kitchen, David Gardner, Len Jarvis, Tommy Allison and Bill Wildman, only conceded 41 goals in 38 games.

Syd King appointed Frank Piercy as the new captain of West Ham United in 1907. He replaced David Gardner who had retired at the end of the 1906-07 season. The team now included Tommy Allison, Fred Blackburn, Arthur Featherstone, Billy Grassam, Alfred Harwood, Len Jarvis, George Kitchen, James Lindsay, Tommy Randall, Danny Shea, Harry Stapley, Archie Taylor, Lionel Watson, Bill Wildman and Robert Young.

The first game of the season was at home against Swindon Town. During the game Frank Piercy got involved in a fist fight with the veteran centre-half Charlie Bannister. This is how the Stratford Express described what happened between the two men: "Most of the spectators must have been made angry by the game which took place between West Ham and Swindon at Upton Park on Monday evening. Incidents which reflected discredit on those taking part were frequent, and eventually the game resolved itself into a scramble. One incident - a very regrettable one - will be enough to indicate the kind of game it was. In the second-half Swindon were leading by two goals. One of the Swindon defenders handled the ball, and a penalty was given by the referee. Grassam, in semi-darkness, converted the kick. A West Ham player was walking towards the centre of the field, after the penalty goal had been scored. A Swindon man, who was following him, either accidentally or purposely trod on his heels. The West Ham player - most likely without thinking - turned round and retaliated with his fist. The Swindon man required the services of the trainer before the game proceeded. It is a pity that such unseemly conduct should prevail amongst players of the great national game, for nothing will do more to jeopardise its popularity. And this was not the only incident which occurred; the players were not always particular about their methods of tackling. While everybody likes to see a vigorous display, it is not well to be too vigorous. Whether the matter will go any further it is impossible to say, but it certainly should."

The Football Association agreed with the reporter from the Stratford Express. The referee cautioned Frank Piercy and Charlie Bannister during the game. However, the FA thought this was too lenient and Piercy was banned for four weeks. Bannister, who started the trouble, received a six week suspension.

Frank Piercy was in trouble again when the club played Millwall on 26th October, 1907. Piercy's tackle resulted in Charlie Comrie, Millwall's left-half, being carried from "the field in an unconscious state". Piercy was sent off and suffered his second suspension of the season.

Frank Piercy became the first West Ham United player to appear in 200 games for the club when he played against Southampton on 17th April 1911.

Tommy Randall replaced Frank Piercy as West Ham's captain at the beginning of the 1911-12 season. On 20th January 1912 Piercy was injured playing against Plymouth Argyle. After playing 214 games for the club he decided to retire from the game. Piercy was then appointed assistant trainer under Charlie Paynter.

Frank Piercy died in 1931.

Primary Sources

(1) Stratford Express (22nd September, 1906)

At the Boleyn Castle ground on Monday, the home team won by one goal to love. The game was of a vigorous character, and fouls were frequent. Watson and Blackburn were prominent but the visitor's defence, Stevenson and Aitkin, never made a mistake. Dean was seriously hurt in a tussle with Jarvis which caused the Millwall player to retire. This caused a deal of feeling between the sides. West Ham had the best of the play, but at half-time nothing had been scored. After crossing over Comrie had to retire for some minutes for repairs. West Ham were having the best of the play and Stapley forced a corner which proved abortive... Then a penalty against the visitors enabled Kitchen to give West Ham the lead. Comrie retired and Millwall continued to the end with only nine men. Playing the one back game the visitors kept their opponents in hand and nothing further was scored.

(2) Stratford Express (7th September, 1907)

Most of the spectators must have been made angry by the game which took place between West Ham and Swindon at Upton Park on Monday evening. Incidents which reflected discredit on those taking part were frequent, and eventually the game resolved itself into a scramble. One incident - a very regrettable one - will be enough to indicate the kind of game it was. In the second-half Swindon were leading by two goals. One of the Swindon defenders handled the ball, and a penalty was given by the referee. Grassam, in semi-darkness, converted the kick. A West Ham player was walking towards the centre of the field, after the penalty goal had been scored. A Swindon man, who was following him, either accidentally or purposely trod on his heels. The West Ham player - most likely without thinking - turned round and retaliated with his fist. The Swindon man required the services of the trainer before the game proceeded. It is a pity that such unseemly conduct should prevail amongst players of the great national game, for nothing will do more to jeopardise its popularity. And this was not the only incident which occurred; the players were not always particular about their methods of tackling. While everybody likes to see a vigorous display, it is not well to be too vigorous. Whether the matter will go any further it is impossible to say, but it certainly should.