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West Ham plan Dagenham & Redbridge friendly

Getty Images
Getty Images

West Ham are set to take advantage of a break in their Premier League schedule to help a local club in need.

The Hammers have a three week break in their calendar next month and will travel to National League Dagenham & Redbridge for a friendly on March 21, during the international break.

The Daggers, whose home ground hosts the Hammers’ Premier League 2 games, are facing a dire financial struggle and approached their neighbours with the proposal, with which joint-chairman David Sullivan was keen to act on.

All proceeds from the game will go to the hosts, with the Premier League side claiming no expenses and, albeit without certain international stars, David Moyes will take a strong West Ham team in order to maintain match-fitness and fill the stands at the Chigwell Construction Stadium.

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“As soon as we heard that Dagenham & Redbridge were in need of financial assistance, David Moyes and I didn’t hesitate to offer our help by sending down a team for a fundraising friendly with our neighbours,” Sullivan said.

“We’ve always enjoyed a close relationship with the Daggers and are looking forward to this match, not only as a means of raising important funds, but also because it will be an enjoyable evening of football.”

The Daggers are facing trouble following the resignation of their majority shareholder, but chairman Paul Gwinn says the friendly will go a long way to saving the club.

“A massive thank you goes to West Ham United for agreeing to the match on March 21,” Gwinn said.

Familiar ground | West Ham play their Premier League 2 games at the Daggers' home ground (Getty Images)
Familiar ground | West Ham play their Premier League 2 games at the Daggers' home ground (Getty Images)

“The support we’ve received from David Sullivan and David Moyes is hugely appreciated. It really will help save our club and I couldn't have asked for more.”

Hammers fans will be allocated 1,200 tickets for the game, which kicks off at 7.45pm, with seats priced at £15 for adults, £10 over-65s and £5 under-16s, while terrace places are available for £10 for adults, £8 O65s and £3 U16s.