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Rangers Clash Offers First Real Test For Nuno’s Hammers

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By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)

West Ham’s pre-season plans have taken another step forward with confirmation that Nuno Espírito Santo’s side will travel to Scotland to face Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday 26 July.

With a little over 6 weeks to go before the Championship campaign gets underway, exactly what sort of side the Hammers boss will put out remains anybody’s guess.

At present, West Ham have yet to sell any key players, although Axel Disasi has returned to Chelsea following the end of his loan spell.

One can only hope that by the time the team head north, a new director of football will finally be in place and a few holes in the squad will have been addressed ahead of what promises to be a gruelling season.

A Proper Test At Ibrox

Facing Rangers should provide a decent test for Nuno and his players.

The Scottish giants finished third in the Premiership last season and also competed in the Europa League.

The trip to Ibrox will give West Ham the opportunity to face quality opposition as preparations continue for what everyone at the club hopes – and dare I say expects – will be an immediate return to the Premier League.

Supporters Allocation Confirmed

West Ham have been allocated 3,033 tickets for the match, with sales beginning at midday on Monday 22 June for Bondholders and from 3pm for Away Scheme Members.

Season Ticket Holders with 41 or more Loyalty Points will be able to purchase from 3pm on Tuesday 23 June.

Any remaining tickets will go on sale to all Season Ticket Holders from 9am on Wednesday 24 June.

Hopefully A More Complete Picture

By the time the Hammers arrive in Glasgow, supporters will be hoping the squad is beginning to take shape and that Nuno has a much clearer picture of the group tasked with leading West Ham back to the Premier League.

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Kris Gonzo (commonly known to the West Ham community as Gonzo) is the co-founder of Hammers Chat (established 2014) and the lead video content creator and columnist for Claret and Hugh.

With over a decade of professional sports media experience, he is a frequent West Ham United analyst and contributor for Sky Sports News, BBC Football Focus, and BBC Radio 5 Live. He previously served as an official video and content creator for West Ham United FC during the club's tenure at Upton Park and featured in the official documentary commemorating the historic final game at the Boleyn Ground.

A lifelong Hammer since the legendary 10-0 victory over Bury, when he isn't providing daily match analysis on the Hammers Chat YouTube Channel or broadcasting on X (@GONZObignose), he can be found walking his dog and restoring classic pinball machines.