West Ham triallist Rob Lee has warned his future team-mates to get ready for a scrap if they want to bounce back to the top flight.

The classy Hammers squad have been installed as red-hot favourites to romp to the first division championship, but looked far from top class in Tuesday's defeat at Wycombe Wanderers.

The second division side gave no quarter in the physical battle and caused havoc with a series of crosses whipped in towards a big target man -- something the Irons must get used to fast.

"It won't always be pretty but we have to match teams physically," said Lee, who was a key part of the Newcastle side which cruised to the 1992/3 title under Kevin Keegan.

"There are some fantastic players here but they have to learn to establish themselves in the game.

"I think it's good for us to have matches like the one at Wycombe. It opens the players eyes to what will be coming all next season."

Published Thursday, July 31, 2003

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