explained by future Ironworks player and West Ham United F.C. manager Syd King in his 1906 book: '"For some reason, not altogether explained, the local public at this place did not take kindly to them and the records show that Browning Road was a wilderness both in the manner of luck and support." – Syd King, 'Book Of Football' (1906) Arnold Hills had already earmarked a large piece of land in Canning Town and would eventually spend £20,000 on the construction of an athletic ground with facilities for cycling and tennis as well as football but the ground would not be ready until the following season. Travelling across the river to Kent again provided cup disappointment for "The Irons" on 13 February 1897, when they lost their second replay in the 5th round of London Senior Cup against Bromley 0–2. They managed to fare better locally, making the final of the West Ham Charity Cup for the second year running. On 20 March 1897 they narrowly lost the final 0–1 to West Ham Garfield. It was also around that time that Thames Ironworks' inspirational captain Robert Stevenson left to return to his native Scotland to play for Arthurlie. Thames Ironworks' biggest defeat of the season came soon after, on 1 April 1897, when they lost for the second time to the champions-elect 3rd Grenadier Guards F.C. 0–5 at Browning Road. Yet it was only two days later, when in another home game, that "The Irons" recorded their biggest win of the season when they beat Crouch End 4–1. Another 5 days later would see the last game of the season, this time at home to Barking Woodville. The game ended 1–1. In total Thames Ironworks won 11 of their 22 league and cup games in the 1896–1897 season, drawing on 4 occasions and losing 7. They scored 39 goals and conceded 38. Their first appearance in the London League had seen them finish 4th, but only temporarily. The 1st Scots Guards had withdrawn from the league during the season, and their record was deleted, and the London Welsh team had been suspended towards the end of the season. "The Irons" had not yet played London Welsh and as a result, and probably thanks also to Arnold Hills' presidency of the league and Francis Payne's drafting of the rules, Thames Ironworks F.C. were awarded two wins by default and finished the