Avram Grant has promised to bring passion back to West Ham as he gears up for the new season, but will that be enough?

There’s no doubting the huge impact his motivational skills had on Portsmouth last year – he took a side which could have fallen apart under the massive strains they were facing and moulded them into a unit which fought their way to an FA Cup final and strived to avoid relegation long after they looked doomed. The best odds for Premier League games made them long shots, but they still pulled off the odd shock.

However, although Grant’s hands were tied financially it should be remembered that the club’s previous excesses had left him with a rather talented squad, when he was allowed to play them.

True, he still had a lot of work to do, but that was made easier by the players he had at his disposal. Passion is a factor, but as long suffering England fans will tell you it’s not enough to win anything.

Speaking to Press Association, Grant said: “What happened in Portsmouth needs to be at West Ham in the way that the players show to the fans that they gave everything.

“I am sure if they see that the players give everything, then they will show a good spirit, the fans will support them even if we lose games.”

Which is perhaps true, but then things are a little different here than they were at Fraton Park last season. Admittedly, our financial situation isn’t ideal, but we aren’t facing the kind of battle that will see fans get behind the team no matter what.

More passion on the pitch is definitely needed, but so is more skill and unless Grant gets round to making some astute signings soon it seems unlikely we will see a massive improvement on last season’s showing. The latest football betting odds suggest this will be the case.

Actions speak louder than words, and although Grant is saying the right things, the owners need to back him to ensure he is able to follow through on them.