Training picture special

Sam Allardyce is continuing to run the rule over his West Ham United squad ahead of their departure to Switzerland this weekend.

The Hammers will kick off their pre-season campaign against BSC Young Boys on Monday before taking on FC Basel on Wednesday week. Allardyce, along with Neil McDonald and Wally Downes, has been assessing his options over the past few days.

The numbers will be considerably boosted this week by Robert Green, James Tomkins, Winston Reid, Jack Collison, Pablo Barrera and Scott Parker coming back to Chadwell Heath on Thursday.

Some of the club's talented youngsters have also been working with the established names, with the coaches prepared to give everyone a chance to stake a claim for progression from the development squad to the first-team picture.

Speaking on Tuesday, Allardyce revealed that there was a definite feelgood factor around the training ground with also more new recruits to follow the "fantastic" Kevin Nolan and Abdoulaye Faye.

He said: "There is a lot of addressing to do to the squad at the moment. We are back in training and starting to get ready with a positive attitude to starting the season well

"We have to enjoy the training, enjoy the pre-season and get ourselves prepared for an arduous season in the Championship because there are many big sides now that want to get up to the Premier League."

Well aware that supporters have been snapping up season tickets in good number, Allardyce said the hard work on the practice pitches was all about delivering in the end for the Hammers faithful come August. "We have massive loyal fans at home. We must get them excited again about supporting their team."

CHECK OUT OUR EXCLUSIVE PICTURE GALLERY

Luis Boa Morte, who didn't miss a single session last season, leads the way in front of Ruud Boffin

Jordan Brown is hoping to stake a claim for the left-back berth

Frederic Piquionne shows his agility in an outside drill

Junior Stanislas is over his groin troubles as is Peter Kurucz after his serious knee injury

Olly Lee and Freddie Sears push hard on a work-out run

Cristian Montano is hoping to impress in the pre-season campaign

Mark Noble is entering his eighth season as a first-team player

Herita Ilunga shows his commitment as ever

Kevin Nolan is enjoying his time already as a Hammer

Frank Nouble, still only 19, is looking to continue his good progress

Jordan Spence is fully focused after securing his long-term future