Curbishley's recipe for pre-season Hammers harmony meets trip from hell

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That's right - two planes: Alan Curbishley irons out the crimps in West Ham's travel arrangements

The Hammers are due in Canada to play prestigious friendlies against MLS All Stars and Columbus Crew.

But the squad will fly in economy class on separate planes despite being led to believe they would get extra room for the long-haul journey in business class.

The Upton Park outfit expect to pocket £500,000 from the two games but players are upset at the new travel arrangements.

Reports in The Sun say the MLS told boss Alan Curbishley they would get business class flights but when a travel firm went under, it all went wrong.

Tonight West Ham play non-league Hampton and stay overnight at a hotel near Heathrow.

Tomorrow, half the squad fly to Chicago with the remainder flying out hours later.

After that nine-hour trip, plus the wait at Chicago’s O’Hare airport, they catch another plane for the three-hour flight to Columbus before facing Crew on Sunday.

The following Thursday, the MLS All Star team - which is expected to include David Beckham - provide the opposition in Toronto.

To cap it all, this game is on astroturf and many players are reluctant to turn out because of injury fears.