Those of you who have been following the Blagger for some years will know that I am a notoriously slow starter on the football front. I've long thought the season starts too early and goes on too long and my involvement in the World Cup has made what is laughingly called the 'closed season' even shorter.

Nevertheless, Soccernet have demanded I come into the office (Ha!) and write something about West Ham United, so here we are and this will have to do.

Firstly, Thomas Hitzlsperger looks to be a very good signing and he should strengthen the midfield considerably while new additions Mexico International Pablo Barrera and ex-Portsmouth striker Frederic Piquionne both appear to be useful additions to the squad although its likely to be who doesn't move that is going to produce the most interest. New boss Avram Grant has stated quite publicly that he wants to keep Carlton Cole and Scott Parker while Robert Green looks to have settled back in and there's even talk of a contract extension for Matthew Upson. Critics may stifle a giggle and point to the defensive frailities of Green and Upson in the World Cup, but at club level there's no doubt they are both top players and - if nothing else - both have much to prove and may enjoy doing it, which wasn't always the case last season.

The addition as I write this, of Israel defender Ben Haim also from Porsmouth should provide competition at the back although my feeling is the player is a little too slow to get really excited about. However, if he's there to help James Tomkins become the player he almost certainly will be then its a good thing. Last season the youngster was left exposed by the early season sale of James Collins so at least this is a move in reverse.

There are good reports that the Hammers look much more comfortable playing Grant's favoured 4-3-3 system and both James Tomkins and Cole have looked good in pre-season. In fact, the Hammer's warm-up performances have been better than any in recent memory and there's hope that, if the club can swat away efforts to prise away their best players, then things could improve dramatically over last season. Then again, there is only one other option if they got worse...

With regard to the obvious transfer rumours, I can't believe Carlton Cole would be better off at somewhere like Stoke unless the club wanted rid of him for some reason. Frankly, it would be at the minimum a sideways move and probably long-term a downward step so I can't see the point. Scott Parker however, is a different matter all together, and I think the club may have made a rod for their own back by stating he is the one player who won't be sold as they could find themselves in a difficult position if the rumoured interest from Liverpool were to have some foundation. I think we'll have to wait this one out and hope the love shown for the Hammer of the Year means he gives us at least a season after which - fingers crossed - he may see more of a future with us.

Returning injuries may give us the equivalent of another two or three players but rumours that Kieron Dyer is now totally injury-free and will play a full season should be treated, along with sightings of the Yeti and the discovery of the lost chord, with trepidation. It would be great if a fully-fit Dyer were able to play to his full potential in the Premier League but.... well, just BUT really! I'd still feel happier with the signing of a couple of full-backs and the shedding of some of the players who, like last season, are telling us that they are 'raring to prove themselves' again but we'll have to wait and see how the first month pans out. All in all though, the signs are encouraging and the noises made by Sullivan and Gold seem to be echoed around the club. Oh yea, the new shirts are nice too!

My prediction? I'm expecting a top half season with a good cup run. But then I do say that every season...