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 11: Inside West Ham’s Greatest Match-Worn Collection with Mick Clifford
In this episode of The West Ham Syndrome, Andrew and Max sit down with Mick Clifford, lifelong Hammer and author of the stunning book Playing for the Shirt: One Hundred West Ham United Match-Worn Shirts.
Mick has spent years tracking down the most extraordinary collection of match-worn West Ham shirts ever assembled — from the heavy cotton classics of the 1950s to the lightweight modern kits worn by today’s players. Each shirt carries its own story, and in this conversation Mick opens up about the thrill of the chase, the emotional power of memorabilia, and the unforgettable moments stitched into claret and blue fabric.
We discuss:
- How the collection began — and the rarest shirts Mick has uncovered
- Why shirts matter so deeply to supporter identity and heritage
- The making of the book and the challenges of preserving football history
- The shirt Mick still dreams of adding to his collection
If you love West Ham, football nostalgia, or the magic of match-worn kits, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Come on you Irons.
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📧 Email: thewesthamsyndrome@gmail.com
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