Thomas Randall

Thomas (Tom) Randall was born in Barking in 1886. He played local football before joining West Ham United as an amateur and made his debut as inside-forward against Fulham on 27th April 1907. He joined a team that included Tommy Allison, Fred Blackburn, Billy Grassam, Alfred Harwood, Len Jarvis, George Kitchen, James Lindsay, Frank Piercy, Danny Shea and Robert Young.

The fans did not like him at first and his slowness resulted in the Upton Park crowd calling him "Old Mother Randall". His form improved when he was switched to left-half. He obtained a reputation as one of the best defenders in the Southern League.

Randall took over from Frank Piercy as captain of West Ham United at the beginning of the 1911-12 season. He was also made captain of the Southern League XI that played against the Football League, Scottish League and the Irish League in 1912.

Randall lost his place to Jack Tresadern in the 1914-15 season. The First World War ended his football career. He had scored 10 goals in 205 league and cup games.

Tom Randall died in 1946.