In a behind closed doors friendly at The London stadium a 'West Ham Selection' ran out comfortable 4-1 victors over Queens Park Rangers, the match, which to all intents and purposes was essentially a training session between two sets of players rather than a fiercely competitive game as some 'friendlies' can be, was still howver played with considerable energy from both sides.
Both managers were happy with the morning fixture as they were able to utilise their entire squads available to them, which was quite unique because normally some players return for pre-season training while others who have been involved in International tournaments or previous club commitments are usually given additional time off to recover both mentally and physically.
Although there is no official list of who played for which team and when, it is known that QPR Boss Mark Warburton was able to select all his current first team squad, this would mean that Jordan Hugill, who recently extended his loan deal from the Irons to finish the season with QPR, and who might possibly be involved in a swap deal for young QPR star Eberechi Eze.
Word is that Hugill enjoyed some banter with the Hammers' lads and particularly with David Moyes, the man who brought him to the London Stadium, his transfer was spectacularly unsuccessful and he was farmed out on loan to Boro and then subsequently The Hoops where he has enjoyed a relatively happy and productive time.
FA rules forbid an on loan player from playing against his parent club, however as the match was deemed as uncompetitive no rules were broken, and thankfully neither were any bones! It is always worrying, particularly for a club with such a terrible injury history as West Ham United, when players return from a lengthy lay off, because the plethora of injuries from minor niggles to major afflictions are there waiting to happen, just a swift sprint too quickly, an errant tackle, or even getting studs caught in the immaculate playing surfaces that are the norm nowadays.
Still, it is good for the team to get a game under the belt without the scrutiny of the TV companies or media, there will be plenty of that once the wall to wall coverage of 'project re-start' hits the screens and begins the process of making the viewing public have 'oblong eyes'! -Ed
