Injured stars back in frame for West Ham

West Ham hope to have most of their long-term casualties back for their start of the season.

Key players, such as striker Craig Bellamy and midfielder Kieron Dyer, should both be fit for the campaign, which kicks off at home to Wigan on 16 August.

Other players who missed big chunks of last season, including Julien Faubert, Lee Bowyer, Matthew Etherington plus Matthew Upson who was missing for the run-in, should also be fit. But Jonathan Spector could be out for six months following a hip operation.

Danny Gabbidon has been in Italy for treatment on a long-standing abdominal problem while fellow defender James Collins, who damaged knee ligaments last season, should be back for pre-season training.

Former West Ham managing director Paul Aldridge is to join Manchester City as chief operating officer.