Kevin Nolan happy with early return to pre-season training

West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan has insisted that manager Sam Allardyce is right to get the players back early to pre-season training.

The Hammers got their preparations for the new campaign underway on Monday - a number of weeks before other teams in the top flight.

"I think we're one of the first Premier League teams back with the season seven weeks away," Nolan told the club's official website.

"Sam's always done it this way, I've always found that he does it the right way and the plan is that we get off to another fantastic start this season."

West Ham start the new Premier League season against Cardiff City at home on August 17.