On 19 September 2026, Millwall faced West Ham at the Den, marking the 100th competitive meeting between the two London clubs and the first in 14 years. The rivalry, known as the Dockers Derby, has deep roots in the history of east London, where both teams originated from the industrial docklands in the late 19th century. Millwall, nicknamed the Lions, was once known as the Dockers, while West Ham, or the Irons, got their name from the Thames Ironworks, where many of their early players worked. Though both clubs are now separated by the River Thames, they once stood just a few miles apart, with Millwall on the Isle of Dogs and West Ham’s predecessor, Thames Ironworks, in nearby Canning Town. The rivalry has long been steeped in legend, with one of the most enduring stories linking it to the 1926 General Strike, when it was claimed that West Ham supporters backed the strike while Millwall workers did not. However, historians David Sullivan and Brian Belton have challenged this narrative, suggesting that the strike was strong in Millwall’s area and only a few workers in Canning Town opposed it. Despite the debate, the story has become part of the mythos surrounding the fixture. The clubs first met in the 1890s, when Millwall Athletic played Thames Ironworks, but Belton cautions against viewing Thames Ironworks as a direct predecessor to modern-day West Ham, as the team was dissolved before the club was officially formed in 1900. The modern intensity of the rivalry began to grow in the 1970s, a time of economic and social change in London. As the city’s docks closed and traditional industries declined, many communities faced unemployment and economic uncertainty. Football, particularly matches like the Dockers Derby, became a space where fans could assert a sense of identity, belonging, and local pride. This period saw increased disorder, including violent incidents during matches and the eventual rise of football hooliganism. Though the link between industrial decline and hooliganism is complex, the two events coincided, shaping the reputation of the rivalry. Despite the history of tension, the 2026 match at the Den passed relatively peacefully, with only minor incidents reported. The game, broadcast live on ITV, saw Millwall and West Ham draw 2-2, with both teams showing moments of dominance. While there were pockets of animosity among fans, the overall atmosphere was one of community and shared passion. Many supporters on both sides are connected through family or friendships, and both clubs continue to draw on the values of working-class London—toughness, loyalty, and authenticity. Though the docks that gave the rivalry its name have long since disappeared, the competition between Millwall and West Ham endures, reflecting a shared identity that each club seeks to embody more authentically.