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 15: The 2000/2001 Season in Review
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In this episode of The West Ham Syndrome, we look back at the 2000/01 season, a campaign that didn’t end in disaster or success, but still feels important when viewed in hindsight.
Under Harry Redknapp, West Ham came into the season following a top-half finish, with a squad that mixed experienced leaders and emerging Academy talent. Off the pitch, the club was changing too, with the Dr Martens Stand being built at Upton Park, adding to a sense that the club was trying to move forward.
The season itself followed a familiar pattern. A slow and frustrating start, followed by a strong run of form between September and Christmas where performances improved and results followed. Then came a post-Christmas drop-off where momentum was lost and league form tailed away.
We discuss the sale of Rio Ferdinand to Leeds, how the transfer money was reinvested, and what that moment came to represent for the club. There’s also a look at an FA Cup run that briefly lifted the season, including a memorable win away at Manchester United, and the sense that once the cup run ended, the campaign lost its focus.
Along the way, we reflect on the squad itself, the leadership, the blend of youth and experience, Paolo Di Canio, Freddie Kanouté and the moments that still stand out from the season.
A balanced but frustrating year and a season that helps explain the West Ham Syndrome.
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