West Ham one of Premier League clubs to welcome fans back

 West Ham are welcoming fans back to the City of London Stadium for the first time since the March Lockdown.

Two thousand, socially distanced fans will watch the in-form Hammers take on Manchester United in a 5.30 kick-off.

West Ham's boss David Moyes said: “I have to say it has been really strange not having fans – but I don’t know if it will be even stranger having only 2,000 back in a 60,000-seater stadium.

“We just want the supporters back. It is a start and the club have done a really good job in making sure that everything is safe and prepared, as have other clubs because we are fully aware of our respon­sibi­lities.

“Overall, it is great. I’m sure there will be some people disappointed they haven’t got a ticket just now, but there will be others who are really excited to come back to a game.”

Visiting boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is also excited to play in front of spectators again, despite no away fans being allowed entry.

“It’ll be great playing in front of fans, we’re looking forward to it,” Solskjaer said.

Other Premier League games this weekend which will allow fans are Chelsea at home to Leeds United on Saturday, the North London derby at the Emirates and Liverpool at home to Wolves on Sunday.

JB