Last season was turbulent both on and off the pitch but, following two years of cost cutting measures, West Ham are now looking more stable. The side will be looking to avoid the relegation battle similar to last season and the arrival of new owners in January has meant that West Ham have been able to expand the squad in the hope of improving on last season’s 17th place finish.

Avram Grant is a quality manager and has the experience to take West Ham forward. He did well with Portsmouth last term, even though he couldn’t stop them being relegated and he would have learned a lot from what was an impossible task. So far in pre-season Grant has led West Ham to five wins and a draw. The Israeli manager has brought Frederic Piquionne and Tal Ben-Haim with him from the south coast club, both are capable of doing a job in this league for the Hammers.

Pablo Barrera is the most recent new arrival at Upton Park. The Mexican winger starred at the World Cup and will be an exciting signing should he settle in the capital. Thomas Hitzlsperger will team up with Scott Parker in midfield and will be integral to West Ham’s progress. Grant has also made an effort to sign Everton forward Yakubu, who has a good Premier League record and would improve the squad. You won’t see many people who support West Ham betting on their existing strike force to score a hatful, so reinforcements are needed.

The rumour mill has linked the club with a number of other player but, as is the trend at West Ham, various youngsters are being tipped to emerge this season. Swiss youngster Fabio Daprela who only arrived at the club a year ago is highly thought of and should challenge the more experienced Herita Ilunga for the left-back position. Zavon Hines and Junior Stanislas have been around the first team for a few seasons and will be looking to make the breakthrough this season. Frank Nouble impressed for the under 21s this summer but it may be a season to early for the young striker.

After the drama of last year, Hammers fans would probably consider a mid-table finish, along with a decent cup run, as a successful season. Grant has a good record in cup competitions, he reached the FA Cup final with Portsmouth. Making sure the Irons stay will be his first priority though, as this will give the club stability on the pitch as well as off it. From that stability the club will have the basis to truly build for future success.