Premier League

West Ham fans react as James Collins is pictured in surprise training ground visit

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West Ham United Training and Press Conference
Photo by Arfa Griffiths West Ham United via Getty Images

West Ham United players had a surprise visitor to the club’s Rush Green training ground ahead of their first home game of the season.

The Hammers entertain the Cherries at the London Stadium on Saturday.

And Manuel Pellegrini will be looking for a vast improvement after the 4-0 thrashing to Liverpool in the season opener last weekend.

Such a demoralising defeat can damage team morale.

West Ham United v Everton - Premier League
Photo by James Griffiths West Ham United via Getty Images

A Ginger Pele sized morale boost

But if West Ham’s players were feeling down this week they got a big boost when Hammers hero James Collins paid them a surprise visit.

Collins was released in the summer, much to the disappointment of West Ham fans.

He left the pitch in tears at the end of last season.

Collins, who remains a free agent, only consolidated his legend status by subsequently pouring his heart out about his love for the club on social media.

West Ham United v Everton - Premier League
Photo by James Griffiths West Ham United via Getty Images

Snodgrass posted picture, fans can’t get enough

So there were smiles all around when the great man returned home this week.

Robert Snodgrass posted a picture on social media of the Ginger Pele back at Rush Green.

And it is fair to say West Ham fans were suitably impressed judging by their reactions on Twitter.

Here are a selection of the best comments: