I remember being dismissive when West Ham lost at Villa Park on the opening day of the 2010/11 season; "It's only the first game, Avram Grant will sort things out..." He never did, of course, and the Hammers were relegated with barely a whimper.

So, I'm not going to be using the same argument following West Ham's 1-0 win at Upton Park as there was much to admire about the Hammers' display and, you sense, a drawing of a line in the sand. The three points and the victory were vital in terms of getting a grip on the new season and when things come down to a point or two at the end of the campaign, who knows how important they may be?

In this glorious summer of sport, English football’s long tarnished image has suffered at the hands of British athletes performing heroic deeds, many for a fraction of the money thrown in the direction of what is often perceived as grasping, indifferent under achieving playboys.

But is this right? Last year’s Premier league campaign was reckoned by many to be one of the finest seasons on record, highlighted by a nail-biting final day that had even the most lethargic and neutral armchair supporter, up and pumping the air in excitement. Ok the European Finals showed that England haven’t progressed a jot in over 20 odd years but at least the domestic campaign offers us the exciting influx of at least a decent proportion of the world’s best football talent… doesn’t it?

(Originally posted on my Blog and at westhamonline.net following the Hammer's win at Wembley in May)

It’s odd to think that, in many ways, West Ham have endured yet another torrid year. The fact that the Hammers remained unbeaten for long periods during the season, recording a record number of away wins before stumbling slightly, only to end the whole thing on such a brilliant high with the best football day out many of us have had for a long time, has made it easy to forget the turmoil of February and March.

Well, it's good to be back! I've been away for a season - did anything big happen while I was gone? - and I'll be in-shape and prepared for the new kick-off just as soon as I've shed the uniform of the alter-ego that Lady B likes to refer to as 'Captain Olympic'.