---
title: "How Betway gave a local metalworker the chance to create history"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2016/08/05/betway-gave-local-metalworker-chance-create-history/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Michael Oliver"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2016-08-05T11:56:58Z"
modified: "2016-08-05T13:44:56Z"
---

# How Betway gave a local metalworker the chance to create history

The Betway Cup is West Ham’s annual fixture to welcome in the new season.

This year those plans were scuppered somewhat with the participation in the Europa League qualifiers which West Ham are successfully navigating thus far following a stunning 3-0 win over NK Domzale last night in the inaugural match at the London Stadium.

On Sunday, West Ham welcome Juventus in the ‘official’ opening game at their new home, with a spectacular opening ceremony planned before kickoff.

Over 54,000 fans are expected to attend the game which could see global stars such as Paul Pogba, Gonzalo Higuain and Gianluigi Buffon feature.

[Betway have made this year’s match even more special](https://blog.betway.com/football/west-ham/east-london-born-and-raised-meet-the-lifelong-irons-fan-who-made-the-betway-cup-trophy/), by giving a local boy the chance to create the Betway Cup.

> YouTube: Making the Betway Cup | History Prepared

Russ Williams, a metalworker and boyhood West Ham fan who grew up in the East End was tasked with making the stunning trophy below which will be awarded to the Man of the Match in Sunday’s Betway Cup fixture with Juventus.

![0N4A0718](https://media.readwestham.com/readwestham/2016/08/0N4A0718-683x1024.jpg)

The trophy, much like West Ham’s special third kit which will be debuted on Sunday, is inspired by Thames Ironworks and company owner Arnold Hills.

“*To be approached was a great honour*,” says Russ. “*It didn’t take me long to actually decide the way I was going to make it.*

Wanting to give the trophy a rustic and unique feel, Russ envisaged himself working in an 1880’s workshop and framed his design around historic elements.

“*When you think of the Thames Ironworks, you immediately think of ships and bridges. In them days, everything was made of plate and rivets.*

![0N4A0639](https://media.readwestham.com/readwestham/2016/08/0N4A0639-1024x683.jpg)

“*They didn’t have the technology like they have now. And me, personally, I think the way metalwork was made then was fantastic.*”

Wanting to blend the old with the new, Russ was keen on incorporating West Ham’s new badge on the trophy.

“*The shape of the new badge is the bowl of the HMS Warrior,*” says Russ. “*So I thought we’ll peel back the design of the Thames Ironworks badge and show the new badge.*”

![0N4A0641](https://media.readwestham.com/readwestham/2016/08/0N4A0641-1024x683.jpg)

The key was making the trophy look like it was made many years ago, an effect Russ was keen on having.

“*One of the things I’ve tried my hardest to do is to make the actual Thames Ironwork shield part of it look old, as if it was made all them years ago,*” he says.

A season ticket holder at West Ham, Russ and his boys are die-hard Hammers and are relishing the chance to see the Betway Cup lifted on Sunday.

“*I hope this Betway Cup trophy helps to keep the club’s history and roots alive,*” he says. “*And long may that continue at the new stadium.*“