In our episode proper of the West Ham Syndrome Podcast, we sit down with Andy Payne OBE, Co-Chair of West Ham United’s Fan Advisory Board (FAB) and representative of Hammers United. Described as “pretty f’ing impressive” by supporters’ group chair Paul Colbourne, Andy brings both authority and passion to the table as we explore the state of fan governance at West Ham.

Andy shares insights into the role of Hammers United, the origins and purpose of the Fan Advisory Board, and the growing wave of supporter-led protests aimed at reshaping the club’s future. We discuss the challenges of holding the board accountable, the core messages behind the protest campaign, and the hopes for meaningful change at West Ham United.

Andy is also currently fundraising for the brilliant charity Special Effect, which uses video games and technology to enhance the lives of people with physical disabilities. On Friday 3rd October, Andy and a big gang of fellow supporters will be walking from the London Stadium to Wembley via Lord’s in aid of the cause.

If you’d like to support Andy and chip in a few pennies, you can do so here: justgiving.com/page/andrew-payne-3

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 (and yeah, we listen to them too), 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.