And about time too ...

West Ham's 05/06 campaign kicks off this evening with Alan Pardew's side set to face Swedish outfit Falkenbergs.

Falkenbergs - currently twelfth in Sweden's second division - provide Alan Pardew with the opportunity to see his new signings in action for the first time.

Roy Carroll, Paul Konchesky, Danny Gabbidon and James Collins have all made the trip to Scandinavia, and are set to start in tonight's match which kicks off at 7pm Swedish time (GMT+1hr).

The game comes just six weeks after the Hammers confirmed their Premiership status with a 1-0 win over Preston in the Championship play-off final.