Losing start for Big Sam

Manager Sam Allardyce's first match in charge of West Ham ended in a 2-1 defeat at Swiss side Young Boys. Abdoulaye Faye made his first Hammers appearance and trialists Joey O'Brien and Hernani Da Rosa got run-outs alongside senior players Luis Boa Morte, Frederic Piquionne, James Tomkins and Freddie Sears. But they could not stop West Ham slipping to defeat against a strong home side despite a goal from rookie striker Frank Nouble. The 19-year-old, who spent most of last season out on loan, is eager to grab his chance next term following the club's relegation. He said: "There are still some strikers here so I've got to keep battling it out and show the manager that he doesn't need to put his hand in his pocket."