West Ham might be lumbering in mid-table but Hammers fanzine Blowing Bubbles is very much top of class after it was shortlisted for Fanzine of the Year at the 2026 Football Supporters’ Association Awards.
It’s the fourth time the publication has received the recognition, having previously been nominated in 2015, 2021 and 2023. Blowing Bubbles joins five other finalists, including Sunderland’s A Love Supreme, Leeds United’s The Square Ball and Middlesbrough’s Fly Me To The Moon.
Editor David Blackmore launched Blowing Bubbles in the summer of 2012 and has been involved ever since. The publication celebrated its 100th edition in February 2020 and has now reached issue 173, which is quite an achievement for an independent monthly football fanzine.
David told Claret & Hugh:
“I’m absolutely delighted that Blowing Bubbles has been shortlisted for Fanzine of the Year for a fourth time. To be in such an elite group of fantastic football publications is a massive pat on the back and recognition of not only the huge amount of time and effort we put into producing every issue but also to the continued support we’ve had from the West Ham Family.”
Anyone involved in producing independent football content will appreciate the work that goes into keeping a publication going month after month. Credit must also go to David’s team of writers and designer Kelvin Farrell.
The winners will be announced on Monday 30 November at London’s Nobu, Portman Square, with Victoria Derbyshire hosting the FSA Awards. The fanzine category will be decided by a judging panel.
Supporters wishing to buy a copy or subscribe can do so through the Blowing Bubbles website.
From all of us at Claret & Hugh, congratulations to David and the entire Blowing Bubbles team. Best of luck on awards night. Fingers crossed you bring the trophy home!