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 13: Martin Godleman (Matchday Annoucer and Author) on Giving West Ham Its Voice (Part 2)
This week on The West Ham Syndrome, we sit down with one of the voices and chroniclers of West Ham United: Martin Godleman, author, journalist, broadcaster, filmmaker and stadium PA announcer at the London Stadium.
In this conversation, we explore Martin’s lifelong connection to West Ham and his evolution as a writer, beginning with Our Days Are Few, his raw and compelling account of the turbulent 2003/04 season, a year haunted by relegation but rich in story. Martin also reflects on We’re West Ham, We Play on the Floor, comparing two very different post-relegation journeys.
We then dive into No Goal, his brilliantly crafted alternative history imagining a world where Geoff Hurst’s controversial second goal in the 1966 World Cup final was ruled out. What changes? What remains? And how does West Ham's identity shift as a result?
Martin then walks us through the creation of 125 Beautiful Games and what truly makes a West Ham match “beautiful.” We look ahead too, asking what moments from the past five years would make the next edition.
Of course, we couldn’t chat to the stadium announcer himself without digging into the art of the role.
Finally, Martin shares what he believes writers must capture to express the true essence of West Ham: the narrative of struggle, hope, despair, resilience — and above all, belonging.
Plus: our trademark quick-fire round, featuring heartbreaks, heroes, favourite kits, and what Martin would contribute to the virtual West Ham Museum.
You can explore more of his work on his website: https://godleman.com/ and read his blog 'Our Days Our Few' here: https://ourdaysarefew.com/.
In the episode Martin references the song 'Shine' by Shannon Noll which you can listen to here: https://open.spotify.com/track/6iFkab3O65fAbvpNj7wGXW.
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)
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)