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 16: "The only religion is West Ham". The Belfast Hammers with Peter O'Prey
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In this episode, we’re joined by Peter O’Prey – lifelong Hammer, retired teacher, and the founder and Chairman of the Belfast Hammers.
Growing up in Belfast during the height of the Troubles, Peter reflects on what life was like in a deeply divided city and how supporting West Ham United became a source of solace, identity, and connection during turbulent times. From early supporter groups like the Twin Hammers to the founding of the Belfast Hammers in 1999, Peter explains how the group was shaped around one simple principle: “The only religion is West Ham.”
We talk about the stories behind Peter’s 2024 book of the same name, the matches that defined a lifetime of following the club (both glorious and grim), and what a matchday pilgrimage from Belfast to East London really looks like. Along the way, there’s nostalgia, heartbreak, humour, and plenty of classic West Ham pain.
The episode also features a quick-fire deep dive into Peter’s West Ham memories: favourite players, goals, kits, managers, and what he’d contribute to a virtual West Ham museum – before finishing with a thoughtful reflection on what “the West Ham way” truly means.
🎟️ Event plug: We’re also delighted to help promote an upcoming Belfast Hammers event, An Evening with Sir Trevor Brooking, celebrating one of the club’s true legends.
👉 Tickets available via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-with-sir-trevor-brooking-tickets-1810390981159
👥 Get involved: You can connect with the Belfast Hammers and follow their work through their Facebook group here:
👉 https://www.facebook.com/TheBelfastHammers/
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
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