Laurent Courtois insists he has not joined the Hammers just to make
up the numbers - though he admits he will probably not be a regular
this season.
The Frenchman, who should feel at home in Jersey as he prepares to face Utrecht, knows he will need a period of adjustment to settle in English football, and says:
"For me, to have between 15 and 20 good performances from the starting line up is what I would like.
"I don't want to play 30 games, say, and not make an impression.
"If I come on as a sub, I am at the disposal of the coach, but when I do play I want to perform very well.
"So the goal is not to play as many games as possible but to play as well as possible when I am picked.
"The season after I would like to be a regular, like Fredi."
It was on Fredi Kanoute's recommendation that the left midfielder came on trial to West Ham - when he could so easily have ended up just over the Thames at the Valley.
"Charlton and Bradford were interested and it was nearly done, but when Fredi told me that Glenn wanted a look I went quickly to West Ham.
"It will be difficult but I want to prove to Glenn that he made the right decision."
The free transfer from Toulouse, who were demoted an extra division for financial irregularities after already being relegated, is not quite complete, however, though Laurent says:
"I'm very happy, but I haven't signed yet; I don't think there will be any problems and, though you never know, I think it will be done soon.
"I hope I can get the authorisation of the French league so I am available for the first day of the season - but I don't think it will be a problem."
Although hardly a household name, Laurent says he will not waste his opportunity to shine on these shores, even though he is effectively competing with Joe Cole for a left midfield berth.
He adds:
"I have wanted to play in England for a long time so now is the chance for the dream to come true - at 22 it was now or never.
"I cannot play in the third division with Toulouse; I need to progress my career.
"They didn't buy me for a lot from Lyon so they couldn't ask for much money for me."
His very close friendship with Fredi should help him settle - and reassure fans that the striker will be sticking around despite the almost constant speculation linking him with a move.
"Fredi told me that journalists in England speak a lot, but he told never told me he would like to leave West Ham, except for a moment this summer for Fulham.
"I can see that he is very important for the supporters and other players at this club."
The Frenchman, who should feel at home in Jersey as he prepares to face Utrecht, knows he will need a period of adjustment to settle in English football, and says:
"For me, to have between 15 and 20 good performances from the starting line up is what I would like.
"I don't want to play 30 games, say, and not make an impression.
"If I come on as a sub, I am at the disposal of the coach, but when I do play I want to perform very well.
"So the goal is not to play as many games as possible but to play as well as possible when I am picked.
"The season after I would like to be a regular, like Fredi."
It was on Fredi Kanoute's recommendation that the left midfielder came on trial to West Ham - when he could so easily have ended up just over the Thames at the Valley.
"Charlton and Bradford were interested and it was nearly done, but when Fredi told me that Glenn wanted a look I went quickly to West Ham.
"It will be difficult but I want to prove to Glenn that he made the right decision."
The free transfer from Toulouse, who were demoted an extra division for financial irregularities after already being relegated, is not quite complete, however, though Laurent says:
"I'm very happy, but I haven't signed yet; I don't think there will be any problems and, though you never know, I think it will be done soon.
"I hope I can get the authorisation of the French league so I am available for the first day of the season - but I don't think it will be a problem."
Although hardly a household name, Laurent says he will not waste his opportunity to shine on these shores, even though he is effectively competing with Joe Cole for a left midfield berth.
He adds:
"I have wanted to play in England for a long time so now is the chance for the dream to come true - at 22 it was now or never.
"I cannot play in the third division with Toulouse; I need to progress my career.
"They didn't buy me for a lot from Lyon so they couldn't ask for much money for me."
His very close friendship with Fredi should help him settle - and reassure fans that the striker will be sticking around despite the almost constant speculation linking him with a move.
"Fredi told me that journalists in England speak a lot, but he told never told me he would like to leave West Ham, except for a moment this summer for Fulham.
"I can see that he is very important for the supporters and other players at this club."