Stevenage welcome Premier League West Ham United to the Lamex Stadium on Saturday in what is a glamour game for their first home pre-season friendly.

There are close ties between the Sky Bet League Two club and Sam Allardyce’s east London outfit, with Stevenage chief executive Barry Webber formerly working for the Hammers.

Ahead of the meeting with his old employers, Webber said: “Saturday’s visitors know a thing or two about combining a proud history with innovation and modern-thinking.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at West Ham United and am grateful to David Sullivan, David Gold, Karren Brady and Sam Allardyce for their support to me - both while at the club and now with my new challenge taking Stevenage forward.”

Allardyce is expected to field a strong side for what is his team’s first pre-season clash.

That is set to include captain Kevin Nolan who turned out at the Lamex for the Mitchell Cole benefit match last year.

The ex-Newcastle United midfielder, who also played for the Magpies in their FA Cup third round defeat at Stevenage in 2011, is looking forward to a return to Hertfordshire.

“It’ll be a very good test for us,” he said. “Knowing Graham Westley and his coaching staff, they’ll be fit, ready and raring to go and they’ll want to show that they can match us.

“I played at Stevenage in Mitchell Cole’s benefit match and it was a fantastic atmosphere.

“I was very honoured to play in the game and I’m looking forward to going back.”

Tickets are £15 for adults, £12 for concessions (60plus, U22s, disabled, armed forces), £10 for U18s and £5 for U12s.