Born in 1974 in Epping, Shephard was educated at Chigwell School, followed by the University of Birmingham, where he achieved a degree in Dance, Drama and Theatre Arts.
Speaking to West Ham’s Website, Shephard explained why he loves the Irons and what were his favourite memories.
Shephard said: “I grew up in Epping, so just on the edge of East London, and my family are all Aston Villa fans, as they’re from the Midlands originally.”
“I changed schools at about eleven, and I went to Chigwell School, and of course, you’re either a Tottenham fan or you’re a West Ham fan if you go there. Fortunately for me, my West Ham mates got hold of me first, and they took me down to Upton Park, and I’ll never forget it.”
“It was in 1985/86, so it was a pretty good season to have started my support in West Ham, and I just remember walking into Upton Park for the first time and falling in love. The football at that point was kind of incidental, because I just had never experienced anything quite like being in that crowd, hearing the singing, the chanting, the screaming and the shouting.”
“Beating Blackpool in the Play-Off final [in 2012 is one of my favourite West Ham United memories]. Big Sam (Allardyce) masterminding that incredible result. Walking down Wembley Way and seeing Claret and Blue around Wembley is something that will live with me forever as well, and to see West Ham lift a trophy at Wembley is a dream come true for any football fan, whatever your team. “
He also gives his memories of Upton Park, West Ham’s former stadium before they moved into The London Stadium in 2016.
He added: “The dream of playing in midfield for West Ham might never have actually happened for me, but because of what I’ve done, I have played at Upton Park, and I’ve played alongside some of my West Ham heroes.”
“I’ve been able to host really important events in West Ham’s history. The last night at Upton Park against Manchester United will live long for me in my life, while Mark Noble’s last game at the London Stadium is still one of the most spine-tingling experiences of my life.”
“The last game at Upton Park was an amazing night, absolutely incredible. The atmosphere just crackled with anticipation, then they delayed kick-off because there were so many people there. It was a very, very febrile atmosphere, just in terms of expectations and history, memories and nostalgia, and it was an incredible game.”
“I’ve still got the programme notes from that game. Being on the pitch afterwards, the atmosphere in the stands – nobody left. I think I eventually got out of the ground around two o’clock in the morning, and there were still people there! The atmosphere, the energy. It was a magical, magical night.”
“It felt like a moment in time. To have been there, to be able to be a part of that, to mark that, is something that I will never forget.”
Shephard has been a regular presenter on our screens for the last 25 years and used to present Goals on Sunday on Sky sports.