The 1991-92 campaign delivered a heartbreaking immediate return to the second tier for West Ham United as the Hammers finished 22nd in the First Division. Despite a difficult season defined by injuries and the controversial Bond Scheme, forward Mike Small led the charge with 13 league goals, including a memorable winner against Arsenal. The year is most fondly remembered for a defiant 1-0 victory over Manchester United that derailed the visitors' title hopes and a final-day 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest featuring a Frank McAvennie hat-trick. It was a poignant season that marked the end of the original First Division era for the club before their swift resurgence.