This season, our 'football project' has been widely discussed and it is probably an over-used phrase! But it does clearly represent what we are trying to achieve - a West Ham United that focuses on its youth system, and is reliant on the best possible coaching, medical and scouting expertise coming together as part of a unified and progressive club.

Earlier this month, I was at the club's first Gala Evening. For me, the several hundred present on the night - supporters, coaches, backroom staff, the players and board members - epitomised what our project is all about. There were no divisions with all equally enjoying an event that summed up so much. We are a united club that looks to the past but is not afraid to move forward.

We head into today's final match of 2008/09 looking for a positive result to sign off the campaign in style but, regardless of the outcome, I am sure you will all agree there is a real mood of optimism. This is down to the fans and your fantastic support for everything we have tried to achieve.

We started the season by signing a three-year partnership with the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK. In recognition of it being 50 years since our legendary captain's debut, I took the decision to retire the No6 shirt in his honour. It felt right to finally ensure a lasting tribute for a man that will forever represent all that is good at West Ham United. Much has been done to raise money and awareness, and our partnership will only continue to grow.

There were some challenges to face this season including the resolution of the Sheffield United arbitration after the Lord Griffiths ruling that surprised me and most of the footballing world. Regardless of my views on the decision, we all felt the best thing for West Ham United was to reach a settlement on our terms that allows us to focus solely on our future aims without distraction.

After the resignation of Alan Curbishley, who deserves credit for his contribution, I undertook a thorough interview process of some world-class managerial candidates. After I met Gianfranco Zola in Rome, it was clear there was only one man for the job.

Gianfranco's arrival energised everyone and what his squad and coaching staff have achieved has been remarkable. Under him, the team is playing great football that fully embodies the West Ham way, key players have gained international recognition and, to show that the youth system is still the best around, eight of our Academy graduates have played in the first team.

I must say something about Gianfranco's commitment to this club, which was reaffirmed when he signed his new four-year deal. He is a man of integrity and the relationship Gianluca Nani and I have with him is very strong. Any speculation over his future has never concerned me. Without prompting, he has repeatedly given his personal assurance that he wants only to achieve the long-term vision that we first discussed in Rome.

In these difficult times, we have needed to drive the football club forward without financially jeopardising the future of West Ham United. With a clear plan and clear leadership bringing all of the elements of the project together in a focused direction, this strategy will allow us to be self-sufficient and competitive. I must personally give great credit to Nick Igoe, who has performed superbly and has played a significant part in a succesful season.

As shown in the January transfer window, when all but ourselves were predicting a fire-sale, we stayed true to the principles of the project. The transfer window was pivotal for us to re-establish trust with our supporters, a belief that the management of this club at all levels is committed to success and in the manner they expect. I hope we have gone some way towards this.

Finally, I must acknowledge the contribution of our chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson who has fully endorsed every decision I have made. He is a great supporter of this club, in every sense. I am sure this season will long be remembered as one we can look back on with pride and the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in the history of this great club.

We are already looking to next season and are determined to make big strides on our communication with you all. The reduction in season ticket prices for 2009/10 is just the start of us listening to what you have to say about all aspects of the club - your club - and I can promise this will continue.

See you in August.

Scott Duxbury
CEO