Brian Penn, Author at Blowing Bubbles

What history tells us about our chances of bouncing back to the top

September 28, 2026 Brian Penn 0

In 107 years as members of the Football League, we have been relegated on only seven occasions. During that time we have never played outside of the top two tiers – a feat achieved by

The curse of the host nation and why home advantage is a myth

August 28, 2026 Brian Penn 0

In 23 World Cup Finals only six host nations have ever won the trophy and two others have managed to reach the final. This year’s World Cup failed to break the underlying trend. The USA,

Six historic one hit wonders who tasted top flight football for a single season and never returned

June 15, 2026 Brian Penn 0

With the Premier League drenched in TV money it becomes the holy grail for clubs fuelled by ambition. For those hovering near the top of the Championship there is a tantalising glimpse of the riches

How retired West Ham players navigate life after football

May 24, 2026 Brian Penn 0

A Premier League footballer earns on average £80,000 a week. That’s around £4 million a year. Add in image rights, performance bonuses and sign-on fees and that salary could easily double. By the time retirement

From Christmas Turkeys to the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre

April 16, 2026 Brian Penn 0

The writer Irvine Welsh once said that ‘success only comes in one form and teaches nothing, while failure occurs in many ways and is essential for learning’. So failure might be considered more interesting than

West Ham’s biggest wins: The Hammers’ record goal-scoring victories

March 12, 2026 Brian Penn 0

West Ham’s brand of attacking football has remained largely unchanged throughout our colourful history. Such a tendency will always produce goals. In fact, a 0-0 scoreline is a rare occurrence for the Hammers as we pursue

The history and evolution of the Terrace Anthem and the Football Chant

February 3, 2026 Brian Penn 0

If I’m ever asked to describe the sounds of a football match it would always begin with the gentle hum of chatter on the train. Who’s in, who’s out and what tactics will be employed

A tribute to the life and legacy of Billy Bonds, the ultimate Iron

January 18, 2026 Brian Penn 0

Certain words are used with annoying regularity in the modern game. Players are variously described as ‘legends’, ‘icons’ and ‘heroes’ when they barely merit the label. However, Billy Bonds ticked each of these boxes with

Hammers’ transfer history: Bargains, billions, and busts

December 11, 2025 Brian Penn 0

The transfer system is almost unique in its construction and purpose. The notion that a club may charge a fee before allowing a player to move to another club is buried deep in legalise. The

From The Trenches to Wembley: How West Ham kept the Claret and Blue flag flying during two world wars

November 17, 2025 Brian Penn 0

The Great War: Football as Morale and Recruitment In times of war the ancient Greeks established a sacred truce for the Olympic Games, which required the temporary cessation of war to ensure safe passage for

Articles by Brian Penn