Development squad in action

West Ham United's young professionals have a busy fortnight ahead.

Development coach Ian Hendon has organised a number of matches against non-league opposition as part of the club's build-up to the 2011/12 season.

With the Hammers not taking part in a formal reserve league during the upcoming campaign, Hendon is aiming to give his players regular match action by holding regular fixtures against a wide range of opposition.

With that in mind, the club will travel to take on no fewer than five semi-professional sides between Saturday 23 July and Saturday 6 August.

A trip to Southern League Premier Division side Weymouth is followed by visits to Blue Square Premier club Ebbsfleet United, Blue Square South side Sutton United, Ryman League Division One North outfit Grays Athletic and Ryman League Premier Division team AFC Hornchurch.

Full details of the quintet of West Ham United XI fixtures are as follows -
(Click on the respective club's link for directions and ticket details)

*Saturday 23 July, Weymouth v West Ham United XI, Bob Lucas Stadium, 3pm
*Friday 29 July, Ebbsfleet United v West Ham United XI, Stonebridge Road, 7.45pm
*Tuesday 2 August, Sutton United v West Ham United XI, Ganders Green Lane, 7.45pm
*Thursday 4 August, Grays Athletic v West Ham United XI, 7.45pm
*Saturday 6 August, AFC Hornchurch v West Ham United XI, Bridge Avenue, 3pm

The development squad have recorded victories in their opening two fixtures, winning 3-0 at Blue Square North side Bishop's Stortford on 16 July and defeating Gillingham 2-0 at Little Heath on 19 July.