Description
Swindon born Charlie Paynter played for junior clubs Victoria Swifts in 1899 and South West Ham in 1900, but while still a teenager he also developed an interest in physiotherapy. Paynter first became involved with West Ham as unpaid help from 1897. In the 1900-01 season Paynter joined West Ham United’s playing staff. However, he never played for the first-team and in a reserve match against Woolwich Arsenal he sustained a knee injury which ended his career. The club appointed him reserve team trainer in 1902. He was then promoted to first team trainer when Syd King, the previous holder of the position, was appointed as the first team manager. When King was sacked in November 1932, Paynter was chosen as his replacement. Paynter guided the team through the rest of the 1930’s and remained manager of West Ham either side of the Second World War, until his retirement in August 1950.