Mark Robson has spoken of the demands on the young Hammers this summer as the U21’s continue to prepare ahead of the new season.

It has certainly been a busy pre season for West Ham’s U21’s filled with a number of tough tests. The young Hammers played two ties against National League sides. They also faced off against Granada, who were relegated from La Liga last season, in a behind closed doors friendly.

The 21’s are currently in Spain undergoing a warm weather training camp where they have been doing double sessions each day. This intense and demanding training schedule has been put together in order to increase the players fitness and get them ready for the brand new season which is just around the corner.

Discussing the young Hammers pre season training camp with the clubs Official Website, U21’s lead coach Mark Robson said: “The trip has been really positive so far. Out on the training pitch, it’s been really good, we’ve had some very productive sessions. The days that we’ve been out here, they’ve worked extremely hard. It’s all about getting fit for the start of the season.”

Currently, a large number of the U21 squad are away with the first team on their pre season tour of the United States. This has given a number of U18’s the opportunity to join the 21’s in their pre season camp, allowing them to build connections with older teammates as well as helping them understand what is required to play at the next level in their development.

Reflecting on the 21’s pre season games so far, lead coach Robson said: “Playing against men, physically, takes a lot more out of our boys, trying to compete with them is really hard. It’s been a tough few games for the boys, but they’ll definitely learn from it and understand what it takes to get to the next level.”