West Ham qualify for the Europa League through Fair Play table

Campaign begins on 2 July

Mark Noble celebrates his goal for West Ham (Getty Images)

West Ham United will be in the Europa League next season after qualifying for the competition through the Fair Play table.

The Hammers, who sacked Sam Allardyce after defeat to Newcastle United, finished 12th in the Premier League this season.

They will be in the draw for the first qualifying round on 22 June - the first games will be played on 2 July, more than a month before the 2015-16 Premier League season starts on 8 August.

In a joint statement, West Ham United Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold welcomed the news.

They said: “We are delighted to have won a place in the UEFA Europa League as we want to ensure the Boleyn Ground the best send-off possible, and progress in this competition will certainly help with that.

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“Starting in early July will bring its challenges, but everyone at the Club, from the Board to the players and supporters will be relishing the opportunity to feature on the European stage. It should be a fantastic experience.”