Pelle’s pre-season plan gives EVERYBODY a chance

Manuel Pellegrini is living up to his reputation of giving everybody – including those on the fringes – a Hammers pre-season before deciding on who stays and goes either permanently or on loan.

It’s an example of the manager’s thorough approach on ensuring every play is judged on their current attitudes and abilities rather than any impression he may have made during the first season.

Among those on duty are the entire first team squad apart from those who were on international duty in the summer with a certain Marko Arnautovic due to join them on Monday.

It remains to be seen whether the manager decides that’s a good idea should nothing happen on the proposed Chinese departure in the meantime.

What is impressive is that both Reece Oxford and Jordan Hugill – a duo widely believed to have no future at the club – are being put through their paces in Switzerland.

And Pellegrini has made sure none of the more promising youngsters are excluded with Nathan Holland, Ben Johnson and Josh Cullen either with or soon to join the squad.