Double header aims to improve match fitness

David Moyes will split his squad into two teams to allow more West Ham players to get minutes on the pitch in a shorter than normal pre season training period.

The whole first team squad will undergo CoVid testing and health screening this Sunday at Rush Green with fitness testing, blood tests, cardiac screening and weighing continuing on Monday before they travel to Scotland on Tuesday for a five day intensive training camp.

The manager wants to ensure as many squad players get minutes on the pitch by sending one team to newly-promoted Championship side Wycombe Wanderers and the other team to League One Ipswich Town for their first tests. Both matches will kick-off simultaneously at 2pm with backroom staff split across the two locations to keep a beady eye on the players in action.

Both games will be video taped allowing the manager to review the performance of the game he could not attend in person. All pre-season matches will be played without supporters present, continuing to follow the behind closed doors protocols.