Dawson, Carrol and Hurst: West Brom and West Ham 'played for both' XI

Ahead of West Brom's trip to West Ham United at the London Stadium on Saturday afternoon, the Express & Star has picked a starting 11 of players who have represented both clubs over the years.

With the Baggies looking to strengthen their promotion push against fellow Championship contenders, our selection includes a World Cup winner, Premier League regulars and several players who enjoyed contrasting fortunes at The Hawthorns and in east London.

Goalkeeper: Nigel Spink

West Brom: 1996–1997 (19 league appearances), West Ham: Youth career

European Cup winner Nigel Spink joined Albion towards the end of a distinguished playing career that had seen him spend almost two decades with Aston Villa.

The former England international arrived at The Hawthorns in January 1996, bringing a wealth of experience after famously coming off the bench to help Villa defeat Bayern Munich in the 1982 European Cup final. He made 19 league appearances for the Baggies before joining Millwall in September 1997.

Spink also had a connection with West Ham, having spent time in the club's youth system before beginning his senior career with Chelmsford City. However, he never made a competitive first-team appearance for the Hammers.

Defender: Danny Gabbidon

West Brom: 1998–2000 (20 appearances), West Ham: 2005–2011 (96 appearances)

A product of Albion's youth system, Danny Gabbidon made his professional breakthrough at The Hawthorns before going on to establish himself as a Premier League defender.

The Wales international made his senior debut in 1999 and featured 20 times in the league for the Baggies, but struggled to secure a regular starting place before joining Cardiff City in 2000.

His performances in South Wales eventually earned him a move to West Ham in 2005, where he became an important member of Alan Pardew's side. Gabbidon helped the Hammers reach the 2006 FA Cup final, which they lost to Liverpool on penalties, and was named the club's Hammer of the Year in his debut season.

Defender: Tyrone Mears

West Brom: 2018–2019 (9 appearances), West Ham: 2006–2007 (5 appearances)

A well-travelled right-back who enjoyed spells in England, France and the United States, Tyrone Mears had brief spells at both clubs more than a decade apart.

The former Manchester City youngster made his name at Preston North End before earning a move to West Ham in 2006, but struggled to establish himself in the Premier League and departed for Derby County the following year.

After spells with Burnley, Bolton Wanderers and several MLS clubs, Mears returned to England with Albion in August 2018. He provided experienced cover at right-back under Darren Moore and made 16 Championship appearances during his solitary season at The Hawthorns.

Defender: Gary Strodder

West Brom: 1990-1995 (140 appearances), West Ham: 1987-1990 (65 appearances)

A defender who enjoyed a lengthy career in the Football League, Gary Strodder represented both clubs during a playing career that also included spells at Lincoln City and several other sides.

Strodder made his name at Lincoln, where his performances earned him opportunities higher up the football pyramid. He subsequently spent time with Albion during a difficult period for the Baggies as they attempted to regain their place in the top flight.

He also represented West Ham, although his time in east London was considerably less prominent than that of some of the other names in this starting 11. Strodder later continued his career in the lower divisions.

Defender: Craig Dawson

West Brom: 2010–2019, West Ham: 2020–2023

One of Albion's most dependable performers during their Premier League years, Craig Dawson spent almost a decade at The Hawthorns after arriving from Rochdale in 2010.

The defender initially struggled to break into the first team but gradually established himself as a regular under the likes of Tony Pulis and Alan Pardew. Equally comfortable at centre-back or right-back, Dawson made more than 200 Premier League appearances for the Baggies before leaving for Watford in 2019.

He joined West Ham on loan in 2020 before making the move permanent, and became a popular figure thanks to his committed performances under David Moyes. Dawson helped the Hammers reach the Europa League semi-finals in 2022 before departing for Wolves in January 2023.

Midfielder: Peter Butler

West Brom: 1996–1998 (65 appearances), West Ham: 1992–1994 (70 appearances)

A combative midfielder who spent much of his career in the Football League, Peter Butler arrived at Albion in 1996 after spells at several clubs, including West Ham.

He initially joined the Baggies on loan from Notts County before making the move permanent that summer, bringing experience and a tough-tackling presence to the midfield. Butler went on to make 65 league appearances during his two years at The Hawthorns.

He had previously spent two seasons at West Ham after joining from Southend United in 1992, helping the Hammers secure promotion to the Premier League under Billy Bonds in 1993. Butler later moved into management, enjoying spells in England and abroad.

Midfielder: Morgan Amalfitano

West Brom: 2013–2014 (28 appearances), West Ham: 2014–2015 (28 appearances)

French midfielder Morgan Amalfitano enjoyed a memorable loan spell at Albion during the 2013/14 campaign, producing several moments of individual brilliance despite the club's struggles in the Premier League.

He arrived on loan from Marseille in September 2013 and made an immediate impact, famously scoring a superb chipped goal in Albion's 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Amalfitano also found the net against Cardiff City and Swansea City, finishing the campaign with four Premier League goals as the Baggies narrowly avoided relegation. He joined West Ham the following summer and enjoyed a promising start under Sam Allardyce, but fell out of favour after Slaven Bilic's arrival and departed in 2015.

Midfielder: Robert Snodgrass

West Brom: 2021–2022, West Ham: 2017–2021

A vastly experienced winger who enjoyed a successful Premier League career, Robert Snodgrass joined Albion from West Ham in January 2021 as Sam Allardyce looked to strengthen his squad in their battle against relegation.

The Scotland international arrived with a reputation for his delivery from set pieces and creativity in wide areas, but struggled to make a significant impact as Albion were relegated to the Championship.

Snodgrass had previously joined West Ham from Hull City in 2017 and, after a loan spell at Aston Villa, established himself as an important member of the Hammers' squad. He made more than 80 Premier League appearances for the club before his move to The Hawthorns.

Forward: Geoff Hurst

West Brom: 1975–1976 (10 appearances), West Ham: 1959–1972 (499 appearances)

The most famous name in this starting 11, Sir Geoff Hurst remains one of English football's greatest goal scorers thanks to his historic hat-trick in the 1966 World Cup final.

The legendary striker spent 13 years at West Ham, scoring 248 league goals and helping the Hammers win the FA Cup in 1964 and European Cup Winners' Cup the following year. He also faced Albion in the 1966 League Cup final, which the Baggies won 5-3 on aggregate.

Hurst eventually joined Albion towards the end of his playing career in 1975 following three years at Stoke City. His spell at The Hawthorns was brief, with the former England international scoring twice in 10 league appearances before moving to the United States.

Forward: David Cross

West Brom: 1976–1977 and 1984–1985 (54 appearances), West Ham: 1977–1982 (179 appearances)

A prolific striker who enjoyed successful spells at both clubs, David Cross first joined Albion from Coventry City in November 1976.

He made an immediate impact under Johnny Giles, scoring on his home debut against Everton and finishing his first season with 12 league goals as the Baggies secured a seventh-place finish in the First Division.

Cross left for West Ham in December 1977 and became a prolific goalscorer at Upton Park, helping the Hammers win the FA Cup in 1980 and the Second Division title the following season. He eventually returned to Albion for a second spell in 1984, scoring twice in 16 league appearances before leaving for Bolton Wanderers.

Forward: Andy Carroll

West Brom: 2022 (15 appearances), West Ham: 2012–2019

Completing the starting 11 is former England international Andy Carroll, who joined Albion on a short-term deal in January 2022 following his departure from Reading.

The towering striker was brought in by Valerien Ismael to bolster the Baggies' attacking options after Daryl Dike suffered an injury, and became a regular in the side under Steve Bruce. Carroll scored three Championship goals during his spell at The Hawthorns, including a memorable strike against Bournemouth, before leaving at the end of the season.

He had previously spent seven years at West Ham after initially joining on loan from Liverpool in 2012.

Carroll scored some spectacular goals during his time in east London, most notably an acrobatic bicycle kick against Crystal Palace in 2017, before returning to Newcastle United two years later.