West Ham announced as testimonial game opponents

Premier League side West Ham have been named as the opponents for Stephen Purches’ testimonial game.

The Hammers will visit the Goldsands Stadium on Saturday 13^th July for what is likely to be the Cherries’ first pre-season friendly as they prepare for life in the Championship.

Purches spent ten years with the London club and played alongside the likes of Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick and Rio Ferdinand at the famous West Ham academy before being handed his first professional contract by Harry Redknapp.

Tickets are priced at £15 for adults, £10 for concessions and £5 for children and can be purchased from the Club Store at the Goldsands Stadium, in person from the BIC, over the phone on 0844 576 1910 and online at afcbdirect.co.uk.

Seats in the executive area are available for £25 for adults, £20 for concessions and £15 for children.

Hospitality packages are available here and you can find out how your child could be leading out the two teams here.

“It’s great news. West Ham is where I started my career and it’s a club that means a great deal to me,” Purches said.

“It has come together perfectly and I couldn’t have picked a better team to come down for my testimonial game.

“But it will also be an important game for us and the first chance for the supporters to see the team next season and maybe a few new signings too.

“Lots of people have been asking about who would be coming down and I’m really pleased it’s out there now. I can’t wait.”

Purches has made encouraging progress in recent weeks in his rehabilitation from a long term injury and is optimistic about his chances of featuring in the game.

“I’m not at a stage where I can join in full training yet, but I’ve started doing ball work and things like that rather than straight line running,” he said.

“Fingers crossed everything is heading in the right direction.”