West Ham United are returning to the United States this summer for the 2025 Premier League Summer Series.
The Hammers will take on Manchester United at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Saturday 26 July, Everton at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois on Wednesday 30 July, and AFC Bournemouth at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday 3 August.
Head Coach Graham Potter and his squad can be sure of a warm welcome from the many thousands of members of the Claret and Blue Army who call the US home.
The Stateside fanbase is comprised of both Americans and expatriates, many of whom are members of the many Official Supporters’ Clubs set up to provide the West Ham family with homes from home on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.
As part of the build-up to the Premier League Summer Series, whufc.com has spoken to those who run those Supporters’ Clubs, looking ahead to watching their team from London in action over the coming weeks.
This week, we catch up with Delray Beach Hammers founder Michael Hockton, who is originally from Barking, but now calls southeast Florida home…
First off, Michael, please tell us about yourself and why you’re a Hammer?
“I am originally from Barking and was born in the same hospital as Bobby Moore, so it was in the blood to be a West Ham fan. That’s the brief, abridged version!
“I have lived in Florida for 30 years - I’m 61 - and have been married to the lovely Nancy for 21. We own a building in Delray Beach, Florida, from which I run a not-for-profit boxing gym called Phoenix.
“I’m fortunate enough to count a number of the ex-players from our best-ever season, 1985/86, and beyond as personal friends.
“Ian Bishop lives a few miles from me, too, and we watch the televised West Ham matches at a local watering hole in Boca Raton [a few miles south of Delray Beach], The Lion & Eagle English Pub.”
The Phoenix Gym is the HQ for the Boca Raton Hammers, though, isn’t it?
“Yes, we used to show the matches in the gym but it really isn’t ideal, so now we go to The Lion & Eagle. We insist every member of the Phoenix becomes a Hammer, though, and it’s working out well so far!”
What’s been the most memorable moment you’ve had with Delray Beach Hammers?
“We took a lot of lads to the sad and rather soggy affair against Wolves in Jacksonville in pre-season last summer, which was memorable as we all went as a group and had fun, despite the weather and the final score!”
Living in Florida, it’s over 4,000 miles back to east London, so have you visited London Stadium for a live game in-person?
“Yeah. Nancy and I attend as many games as possible at the London Stadium. We went four times last season and I’m sure we’ll be back again next season, too.”
How ‘massive’ is West Ham United in the United States?
“It’s always growing. There is a lot of competition from clubs, not just from England but all over Europe. Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs have football coaching schools over here in the States, for example. West Ham coming over to play pre-season games and meet the fans can only help grow the Club here too, though, and I’ve got some ideas of my own on how to raise awareness.”
Which players are your members most excited about seeing in the flesh?
“It has to be Jarrod Bowen.”
How can other supporters join Delray Beach Hammers?
“You can join the gym or follow us on Instagram.”
