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 10: Identity, Heritage & the Case for a West Ham Museum (with Levi Tippett)
In this episode of the West Ham Syndrome, we dive into the heart of West Ham United’s identity with researcher Levi Tippett, whose MSc dissertation explored how heritage shapes what it means to be a Hammes, especially in the years following the move from the Boleyn Ground to the London Stadium.
Levi guides us through his research into fan identity, the emotional impact of the stadium relocation, and the powerful role a museum could play in preserving West Ham’s story. Drawing on surveys, interviews and heritage theory, he unpacks why so many supporters feel aspects of the club’s history have been lost (or left behind) and what fans believe a museum should include, from Thames Ironworks roots to shared matchday memories.
We also discuss the club’s earlier commitment to a “museum-style display,” the wider significance of football heritage and Levi’s own view of what a meaningful West Ham museum could look like today.
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