Latest Opinion

Over the years, West Ham fans have witnessed several players from various foreign territories wearing a Hammers shirt. While not every player is loved like Italian Paolo Di Canio and Frenchman Dimitri Payet, the club has been responsible for guiding several professionals in the game, including an array of Americans.

It isn't always easy for aspiring professionals from the United States of America to make it in the European game. In a country where NBA giants and NFL betting lines tend to dominate proceedings when assessing their sporting culture, footballers are at a distinct disadvantage, particularly compared to the infrastructure we have over here. As such, many players from that part of the world are forced to search for opportunities abroad in Europe, with some footballers opting for the bright lights of the Premier League.

While not every player has joined the Hammers for this specific reason, some players were signed by the club during their admirable journey in the sport. West Ham United has undoubtedly had several American players on its books over the years. So, without further ado, below we highlight some American former Hammers, many of whom went on to make several appearances for the club.


Ian Feuer



The Premier League has had several talented American goalkeepers, including Brad Friedel, Tim Howard, and Kasey Keller. While Ian Feuer wasn’t at their level, the backup shot stopper still managed to forge a decent career in English football after joining Belgian side Club Brugge from the Las Vegas Generals in 1988. Joining the Hammers on two separate occasions, from Los Angeles Salsa in 1993 to Cardiff City in 2000, Ian Feuer was a decent deputy for West Ham’s number one goalkeepers. However, he only made a handful of appearances for the club.


John Harkes



A midfield player more senior Hammers fans might remember, John Harkes, joined the club in a loan deal from Derby County in 1996. Harkes isn’t the finest midfield operator the club has ever possessed, but he did have something about him. In the end, though, Harkes failed to impress enough, resulting in the New Jersey-born former professional moving back home to the States to join D.C. United.


Steve Potts



As a key part of the club’s academy system and manager of West Ham United’s under-23s since 2015, Steve Potts is a name many Hammers fans will be well aware of. His exploits on the pitch are the main reason behind his fame among the fanbase, with the Connecticut-born defender making just under 400 appearances for the club and cementing himself as a club legend due to his no-nonsense displays.


Jonathan Spector

Jonathan Spector was deemed an exciting young prospect after joining Manchester United’s esteemed academy following spells with Chicago Sockers and Chicago Fire. However, the American defender struggled to make the breakthrough at the Red Devils, eventually becoming a Hammer in 2006 after doing well on loan at Charlton. Spector made over 100 appearances for the club, scoring two goals against his former side, Manchester United, in a League Cup match, and being a reliable presence at times.


George John

While the Spector above was a defender who sometimes played his part, George John didn’t. His two-month loan deal from FC Dallas in 2012 wasn’t fruitful. John failed to displace the team’s first-choice pairing at the time, so he didn't make a single appearance for the club.

* Like to share your thoughts on this article? Please visit the KUMB Forum to leave a comment.

* Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the highlighted author/s and do not necessarily represent or reflect the official policy or position of KUMB.com.