In this episode of The West Ham Syndrome, we’re joined by Dr. Brian Belton, author of The Black Hammers: The Voices of West Ham United’s Ebony Heroes (2006). Nearly twenty years on from its release, Brian reflects on what inspired him to write the book, the process of researching and interviewing players, and what the stories of figures like Clyde Best and John Charles reveal about football, race, and community in East London.

We also talk about Fred Corbett, often cited as West Ham’s first Black player, and why Brian believes that story has been misunderstood, exploring Corbett’s true heritage and what it tells us about how football history is remembered and recorded.

In this special episode of The West Ham Syndrome Podcast, Andrew and Max kick off their series of episodes celebrating Black History Month by naming their all-time Black West Ham United XIs. From trailblazers like Clyde Best, who broke barriers in the late 1960s, to modern icons like Michail Antonio, the boys reflect on the players who’ve shaped the club’s history on and off the pitch.

After the chaos of Potter’s sacking and Nuno’s arrival, The West Ham Syndrome Podcast takes a deeper look at the club’s biggest recurring issue - how West Ham United is actually run.

In this episode, Andrew and Max dig into the long-term structural problems that keep the Hammers trapped in a cycle of false dawns: short-term managerial fixes, confused recruitment, and a lack of footballing identity. We explore how decisions from the top continue to undermine progress on the pitch and why even promising appointments eventually fall apart under the weight of poor governance.

From broken promises about “the next level” to the blurred lines between ambition and accountability, we ask: is West Ham’s biggest problem its ownership model, not its managers?

In our episode proper of the West Ham Syndrome Podcast, we sit down with Andy Payne OBE, Co-Chair of West Ham United’s Fan Advisory Board (FAB) and representative of Hammers United. Described as “pretty f’ing impressive” by supporters’ group chair Paul Colbourne, Andy brings both authority and passion to the table as we explore the state of fan governance at West Ham.

Andy shares insights into the role of Hammers United, the origins and purpose of the Fan Advisory Board, and the growing wave of supporter-led protests aimed at reshaping the club’s future. We discuss the challenges of holding the board accountable, the core messages behind the protest campaign, and the hopes for meaningful change at West Ham United.

Andy is also currently fundraising for the brilliant charity Special Effect, which uses video games and technology to enhance the lives of people with physical disabilities. On Friday 3rd October, Andy and a big gang of fellow supporters will be walking from the London Stadium to Wembley via Lord’s in aid of the cause.

If you’d like to support Andy and chip in a few pennies, you can do so here: justgiving.com/page/andrew-payne-3

Welcome to The West Ham Syndrome, a podcast about West Ham, but with a bit of a twist. Look, we know there are already loads of brilliant Hammers pods out there (and yeah, we listen to them too), but this one’s going to be a little different. 

We’re not just here to ride the highs and lows of every matchday. Don’t worry, we’ll still talk about the games, because that’s what we all live for but our focus is more on everything else that makes West Ham, well… West Ham.

We’ll be getting into the bigger stories off the pitch and we’ve got some fun features lined up too. Think rewatching old season review DVDs, flicking through classic programmes and magazines, and unearthing some of the forgotten stories that make following this club such a rollercoaster.

So, if you’ve ever wondered why supporting West Ham feels like a condition we can’t quite shake, this one’s for you. This is The West Ham Syndrome, talking West Ham beyond the matchday.