At the beginning of this (well last actually) season a familiar voice was missing from Upton Park. The Wigan game saw ever-present stadium announcer Jeremy Nicholas dropped for somebody who couldn’t quite get the hang of playing Bubbles at the right time (ie before kick-off) and who regularly confused Jack Collison with James Collins; all in keeping with the club “trying something new”.

Fortunately the club came to their senses after several anti-climactical build-ups and recalled Jeremy in time for the Hull City game. It was great to see him back and 10 years since his first ever game as stadium announcer he can confidently sing “I shall not, I shall not be moved” in the shower each morning.

I was fortunate to catch up with Jeremy earlier today, and put a few questions to him…for your viewing pleasure:

Me: What was your first West Ham game as a fan/as an announcer?

JN: First West Ham game as a fan was a mid-week game against Liverpool, although can’t remember the year…or the score in fact. As announcer my first game was a tough one, against Manchester United the season after Beckham was sent off against Argentina (World Cup 1998). Knowing the reception he was going to receive when calling his name of the teamsheet didn’t really help the nerves!

Me: Do you enjoy your job more now with Zola in charge?

JN: Was a bit annoyed when Curbs was sacked, he was a proper West Ham fan and felt the club were a little short with him. However I much prefer the football Zola has us playing, it’s far more exciting. Am enjoying the football the most I’ve ever done since the days of Di Canio, Cole and Sinclair when we were a regular feature on the Showboat section of Soccer AM!

Me: What was your favourite game of the season?

JN: Against Hull City…was first game back after said absence! Quality performance under the Upton Park lights…

Me: Who did you vote for as Hammer of the Year?

JN: Went with Herita Illulnga, although felt Parker was fully deserving of the award. Kind of felt that it’s important to vote for the player who may not get as much recognition elsewhere for their performances, who quietly goes about each game; similar to Schemmel. Plus considering Illunga can hardly speak English, he’s done an incredible job; it’s great to see someone produce those attacking overlaps that we’ve grown used to seeing.

Me: Which young player most impressed you?

JN: Both Collison and Tomkins were the real stand-outs for me. Definitely think that Tomkins will be an England force in the next few years. Really felt for Sears, he hasn’t come on as quicly as the others after a promising start, but his pace is a huge advantage.

Me: How about Savio?

JN: Just like the rest of us, havn’t really seen him much…but word is he is going to be class.

Me: How does next season look from where you’re sitting?

JN: Can see us with a fully fit side again pushing for one of the Europa League spots, maybe chuck a cup in there while we’re at it!

Me: Who do you think we should lose in the summer?

JN: Unfortunately my lips have to be sealed on this one! I can’t say who I think should go incase they don’t end up leaving and I have to announce their name(s) out next year!

Me: If you had to keep one of Tristan or DDM, who would it be?

JN: No comment!

Me: If we draw Sheffield United in a cup next year, would you kindly call Tevez’s name out as part of the team sheet – as a joke of course?!

JN: Would think about it…but couldn’t do it, that would be the end of my job!

Me: Apparently the last time three teams in Claret and Blue were in the top flight of English football, West Ham won the World Cup. What do you think of our chances in South Africa next year?

JN: We could very well have three players in the starting lineup again too! It’s certainly the best chance we have had for a while…

Me: What else do you do to pay the bills?

JN: I have several small jobs that I attend, rather than having one particular job title. Spend most of the time talking, or teaching people how to talk correctly [to the media!], as a radio/TV presenter and also an after dinner speaker. I’m also the guy people call on when they can’t afford Jonathan Ross for awards ceremonies!

I also run something called Talking Toolbox which teaches people the correct techniques for talking to media. I will be doing some work with the younger players at West Ham during the course of the pre-season to better prepare them for the moment that they have to stand in front of the MOTD cameras. May even be called upon to work with some of the more experienced players too.

One of my preferred jobs each year is doing the stadium announcing for all the EA Sports FIFA console games. Have been doing it since 2006 and each year have around 6000 names that I am required to record for the games. Also slip in ten or so of my own, like announcing friends weddings or annoucing that a car has left it’s lights on (have used my own car each year since I started doing it)!

Me: And you have a book out at the moment?

JN: Yeh, have been working on a book called Media Masters which uses celebrity examples from all different areas and addresses some tips and techniques that they use when talking to the media. Fellow West Ham boys, Phil Jupitus and Iain Dale were both interviewed in the book.

Jeremy has a website with more details on what he does on a day to day basis and you can pick up a copy of Jeremy’s book at the following link: MediaMasters: Insider Secrets from the Big Names of Broadcast, Print and Social Media

It was a pleasure to catch up with Jeremy, and I think it’s fair to say we are all delighted that he is back!