Hammers Hope!

Wednesday, 11/08/2010

by Richard Bates, Shoot's West Ham blogger (pictured).

Each and every pre-season at Upton Park is filled with a certain level of optimism – a belief that there will be an improvement on the previous term.

The build-up to this campaign has a slightly different feel. 

With a new manager having been installed, a flurry of signings winging their way into East London and the Gold/Sullivan regime beginning to steady the ship, it is actually a level of expectancy, rather than hopefulness, which has begun to surface amongst supporters.

And how can you blame West Ham fans for adopting that outlook either? When you take into account the dismal year just past, steering clear of a relegation dogfight is the very least the Hammers faithful will accept this time around.   

After all, it wasn’t long ago that we were pushing for Europa League qualification places in the league. Last season’s performance was a massive step back which needs to be rectified.

Under Avram Grant’s leadership, I am convinced it will be.

The appointment of the former Chelsea and Portsmouth boss is one which fills me with confidence. He has already stamped his mark on the squad, strengthening vital areas of the team in which the Irons appeared to lack quality, and depth, under Gianfranco Zola.

Following the signings of Tal Ben Haim and New Zealand international Winston Reid, Grant has immediately added solidity to a backline which has struggled to contain the most average of Premier League strike forces in recent times.

Looking further up the pitch, the manager has brought in striker Frederic Piquionne and Mexico winger Pablo Barrera, while left-footed wideman Miralem Sulejmani’s loan transfer will be wrapped up shortly.

Adding to that the secured services of free transfer bargain midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, I’d say our new man in charge has completed some astute business this summer.

It doesn’t appear that Grant is finished either, as he attempts to finalise a deal for another frontman. While Loic Remy and Yakubu are continually rumoured to be heading to the Boleyn Ground, the latter is beginning to look the more viable option. 

Whether or not the transfer of either forward is completed before this weekend’s opening day fixture against Aston Villa remains to be seen.

Regardless, be confident of the Hammers departing Villa Park with all three points having disposed of an opposition particularly low in morale following the departure of Martin O’Neill as manager.

A new era has begun – it promises to be an enjoyable one.

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