11 of the Most Frightening Club Nicknames in English Football

Here are the 11 most intimidating nicknames in English football...

11. West Ham United - The Hammers

West Ham United originally started as the official side of the Thames Ironwork and Shipbuilding company, which gives clues as to both of the club's immortal nicknames; the Hammers and the Irons.

With Hammers being an integral part of the metalwork industry, the name stuck and has since become entirely associated with the East London side, featuring on the club's crest and bringing an intimidating image with it.

10. Bury - The Shakers

​ Shaking is not a term traditionally associated with our beloved game, but for Sky Bet League One side Bury it is their heritage, with the nickname 'the Shakers' stuck to them for as long as anyone can remember.

One tale suggests that it was Bury's first ever a chairman, a certain JT Ingham, who said "We will shake them. In fact, we are the Shakers", ahead of a Lancashire Cup game against rivals Blackburn Rovers

9. Barnet - The Bees

​ Bees can sting and hurt you, leaving one in agony for hours and maybe that is the kind of image that Barnet are hoping their opponents will experience when they visit the aptly named ground of theirs, the Hive.

Thought to originate from the bee farms that were located to the club's previous stadium, Underhill, the orange and black colour scheme were added as a result. Interestingly, Brentford are also known as 'the Bees' but this commonly understood to be an unintentional name that simply stuck.

8. Watford - The Hornets

​ Going one better than the Bees is Watford, whose nickname 'the Hornets' was decided upon by supporters in the 1910s, after the club changed its colours to the now familiar yellow and black theme.

The London side have brought their iconic image back into the big time, after securing promotion last season to the Premier League. Quique Flores' side have so far made an impressive account of themselves in the top flight and look set to remain for another season. 

7. Sheffield United - The Blades

​ The connection between Sheffield United and their striking nickname is simple, Sheffield is renowned for being the main cutlery producer in England as a result of the dominant steel industry in the area.

In fact, both United and Wednesday claimed the Blades as their nickname, but the latter settled to be the Owls, leaving their neighbours with the far more intimidating nickname to keep hold of. 

6. Doncaster Rovers - The Vikings

​ Doncaster Rovers have really taken on their Viking image, with it becoming the club's badge in the early 1970s, after the Doncaster council denied the football side from using the previous design of the town's coat of arms.

Ever since 'the Vikings' culture has really taken off at the Keepmoat Stadium including a mascot and even sponsorship. The ancient Scandinavian warriors would probably be ashamed of Donny's stature in the Football League though. 

5. Hull City - The Tigers

​ The only connection between Hull City and their Tiger nickname was the colour that the Yorkshire club play in when at home, yet this triggered an almighty dispute between the club's Egyptian chairman Assem Allam and the supporters.

Allem wanted to strengthen the feline connection even further by legally changing the club's name to 'Hull Tigers', but, after much resistance from the fans, it was eventually refused by the FA.

4. Arsenal - The Gunners

​ With the club's founders thought to have been workers in a local arsm factory, it is no wonder why the team's insignia is entirely military related, with its name, nickname and club cannon symbol all inspired by early traditions.

As 'the Gunners', Arsenal live up to their reputation and shoot opponents down with their slick play. A Premier League powerhouse, the Gunners remain one of the most terrifying teams to face in the top flight. 

3. Bristol Rovers - The Pirates

​ Although they only returned to the Football League this season, Bristol Rovers have an entire collection of intimidating names to call upon. Initially being called the Black Arabs, Rovers quickly took on the nickname 'the Pirates' in reference to the maritime history associated with Bristol.

If that wasn't enough, the League Two side are also known as 'the Gas' due to the club's former home, Eastville Stadium, being located by a gasworks. They will now be desperately hoping that the edge of having such titles can keep them in the league. 

2. Millwall - The Lions

​ A team that may not live up to their nickname on the pitch, they certainly have that kind of reputation in the stands, with the Millwall faithful still to this day considered the one of the toughest group of supporters in the country.

Millwall's nickname came from a newspaper description of the South London side and it was subsequently incorporated into the club's crest. The Lions replaced the former tag of 'the Dockers', which stemmed from popular occupation of many of Millwall's fans during the club's early years.

1. Manchester United - The Red Devils

​ It is hard to argue with the United's intimidating nickname, which for the best part of two decades served well as the club dominated the top flight. Although in the past couple of seasons, United have dropped from their previous heights, the nickname remains a important part of their identity.

Sharing the Red Devils title with League Two side Crawley Town, United's badge features a devil holding a pitch fork, unquestionably a terrifying image compared to other badges in English football.