WEST Ham United’s supporters were blowing bubbles when the club announced its pre-season tour of North America.

But the same cannot be said of the fans of MLS side Columbus Crew, who host the Hammers on Sunday evening (11pm kick-off UK time).

At least, that is the view of the Columbus Dispatch newspaper’s beat reporter Shawn Mitchell, who believes the fixture will attract just 14,000 to the 22,555-capacity Crew Stadium.

Mitchell, who follows the Eastern Conference high-fliers – Crew are currently second in the seven-team division – home and away, claimed the friendly had failed to catch the imagination of Ohio’s “soccer” enthusiasts.

“I would say West Ham isn’t a particularly popular or well-known team in the USA,” he told our sister paper the Basildon Echo.

“Obviously the big boys – Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal – are the most popular clubs.

“There was some grumbling among supporters that West Ham, who are typically mid-table, is not a marquee event.”

West Ham arrive in the MidWest this afternoon, but should they choose to spend Friday evening strolling through downtown Columbus, they are unlikely to be mobbed by hordes of screaming locals.

“I don’t know that any West Ham players are sending chills of excitement down Crew fans' spines,” Mitchell confirmed.

And the same can be said for Sunday's match.

“I would say a crowd of of 13-14,000 would be more than impressive,” the reporter added.

To put that into context, the Crew have averaged 12,880 in their eight MLS home games so far this season.

The highest gate, 17,172, turned out for the 2-2 draw with Chicago Fire on July 5.

Mitchell explained that many fans had been impressed with the team's results this season, with the Crew winning eight and losing just five of their 16 league matches.

“The Crew is off to its best start since the league began in 1996. They are a true contender for the MLS Cup (the title is decided in a play-off),” he said.

But despite their improved form, Mitchell expects West Ham to prove too strong for the Americans.

“If West Ham takes this match somewhat seriously, as Aston Villa did last year (winning 3-1), expect them to win,” he predicted.