Lampard Leads Hammers!

Frank Lampard is set to take over as manager of West Ham . . . just for one day.

The Hammers legend, who recently left his position as assistant manager along with former boss Harry Redknapp, will take charge of West Ham's veterans competing in the Southern Masters five-a-side tournament at London Arena this Sunday.

On an entertaining evening for nostalgia buffs, Lampard will manage a side that includes former Upton Park hero Frank McAvennie, who showed his enduring skill on the ball at last year's Docklands event.

McAvennie is flying down for Sunday's tournament along with fellow Scot Ray Stewart, who was of course Lampard's full-back partner in the 1980 FA Cup-winning team.

The organisers hoped to reunite the famous McAvennie/Cottee partnership, who scored 46 League goals between them when Hammers achieved their highest-ever League placing - third - in 1985-86. But the plan was scrapped because Tony has to undergo a hernia operation.

Paul Allen, who is one of those coordinating the Southern Masters on behalf of the PFA, will also be back in a claret and blue shirt on Sunday.

Allen says: 'I started at West Ham, and Upton Park is where my footballing roots lie. So I'm really looking forward to playing for the Hammers side again.

'I chose them over Spurs!' added Paul, who made history as the youngest-ever player to appear in the Cup final when he played for West Ham against Arsenal at Wembley.

'My cousin, Martin, will also be turning out for the Hammers squad at London Arena - it will be the first time we've played together in the same side.'

Although all players are subject to availability, Paul expects the Hammers Fives' squad to be made up of the following: Johnny Vaughan, Ray Stewart, George Parris, Jimmy Quinn, Martin Allen, Paul Allen, Frank McAvennie, Paul Goddard, Iain Dowie, Tony Gale.

The Southern Masters kicks off at 6pm and Hammers' opponents include last year's winners Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea, Charlton Athletic, Wimbledon and QPR. For those who can't make it to the London Arena, the action will be shown live on Sky Sports.