The West Ham Syndrome
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, 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.
The West Ham Syndrome
Episode 9: Inside West Ham's Academy with Graduate Callum McNaughton
In this powerful and deeply honest episode, we sit down with former West Ham United defender Callum McNaughton to explore his journey from Chadwell Heath to the first team and the complex inner world that shaped the path along the way.
Callum reflects on the unexpected Facebook message that kick-started his involvement in the 'Inside the Academy' book project, how reconnecting with old teammates helped him rediscover parts of himself and why sharing the realities behind the 0.01% who “make it” felt important.
Across the conversation, Callum opens up about life inside the Academy of Football: the pressure, the dream, the emotional toll, and the grounding influence of coaches like Paul Heffer. He speaks candidly about mental health and the coping mechanisms that both helped and hindered him as a young player navigating survival in elite sport.
Now coaching in the US, Callum explains how his lived experiences have reshaped his understanding of success, leadership, youth development and what young players really need.
Thanks for listening to The West Ham Syndrome. If you enjoyed the episode, make sure to follow, subscribe, and leave us a review, it really helps the show grow.
Stay connected with us:
📧 Email: thewesthamsyndrome@gmail.com
📱 Follow us: @thewesthamsyndrome (Instagram & Twitter/X)