Tony Gale is urging supporters to get behind Glenn Roeder as the
big kick off approaches.
"Good luck to him and Paul Goddard - they have to be given a chance," he says.
He feels the backroom changes made in the summer will help the new Hammers boss, adding:
"Paul Goddard has been in the coaching game quite some time as well, and I think it is a good move to get Ludek in as well on the goalkeeping side.
"He is a superb professional asides from being a great goalkeeper, so his presence will do the power of good.
"I think the club have been brave in getting a young manager in, so let's get behind him and the team, and let's hope Glenn can get the right players in the transfer market."
Nonetheless, Tony feels the centre half position is not the problem some feel it is - if everyone is fit.
Despite the departure of Stuart Pearce and Igor Stimac over the summer, he insists:
"It is not as big a blow as everybody may think: Stuart Pearce had a good season but I felt he only could play in a back three on that left hand side.
"And I think Stimac had a disappointing season to be quite honest, so I don't think that is such a great loss.
"Hayden Foxe and Ian Pearce are the future, and it was more important to keep players like that.
"But if Tihinen comes at the right price he could be a good acquisition.
"The centre back position is obviously a priority and playing four at the back means the need for the right players for that system.
"Towards the back end of last season there were some poor signings made, and there are lots of bits and pieces players who, quite frankly, weren't good enough."
Elsewhere, he feels the full back positions are well covered, adding:
"I think Schemmel and Winterburn will be the first choice full backs and Nigel didn't show any wear and tear last season.
"I think he will be better in a four as well.
"Scott Minto has been a long time out, but he'll be looking to compete."
He does admit, however, that the loss of Frank Lampard was a huge blow.
"It's a big decision who to bring in, though there is some quality in that midfield."
He says he is optimistic for the new season, as he prepares to dust down his microphone and watch the Hammers' progress for Capital Gold again.
"If you look at the Premiership beyond Manchester United, Leeds, Arsenal, Liverpool, and maybe Chelsea, I think they have got as good a chance as anybody.
"It's a hard start - but let's hope they get off to a good one.
"A lot of people were surprised by Glenn's appointment, but having a look round at what was available at the time I think it was a gamble worth taking.
"Everyone knows he has got good coaching abilities, and the other side of it is the signings.
"If they are all as good as David James, then it augurs well for the future."
"Good luck to him and Paul Goddard - they have to be given a chance," he says.
He feels the backroom changes made in the summer will help the new Hammers boss, adding:
"Paul Goddard has been in the coaching game quite some time as well, and I think it is a good move to get Ludek in as well on the goalkeeping side.
"He is a superb professional asides from being a great goalkeeper, so his presence will do the power of good.
"I think the club have been brave in getting a young manager in, so let's get behind him and the team, and let's hope Glenn can get the right players in the transfer market."
Nonetheless, Tony feels the centre half position is not the problem some feel it is - if everyone is fit.
Despite the departure of Stuart Pearce and Igor Stimac over the summer, he insists:
"It is not as big a blow as everybody may think: Stuart Pearce had a good season but I felt he only could play in a back three on that left hand side.
"And I think Stimac had a disappointing season to be quite honest, so I don't think that is such a great loss.
"Hayden Foxe and Ian Pearce are the future, and it was more important to keep players like that.
"But if Tihinen comes at the right price he could be a good acquisition.
"The centre back position is obviously a priority and playing four at the back means the need for the right players for that system.
"Towards the back end of last season there were some poor signings made, and there are lots of bits and pieces players who, quite frankly, weren't good enough."
Elsewhere, he feels the full back positions are well covered, adding:
"I think Schemmel and Winterburn will be the first choice full backs and Nigel didn't show any wear and tear last season.
"I think he will be better in a four as well.
"Scott Minto has been a long time out, but he'll be looking to compete."
He does admit, however, that the loss of Frank Lampard was a huge blow.
"It's a big decision who to bring in, though there is some quality in that midfield."
He says he is optimistic for the new season, as he prepares to dust down his microphone and watch the Hammers' progress for Capital Gold again.
"If you look at the Premiership beyond Manchester United, Leeds, Arsenal, Liverpool, and maybe Chelsea, I think they have got as good a chance as anybody.
"It's a hard start - but let's hope they get off to a good one.
"A lot of people were surprised by Glenn's appointment, but having a look round at what was available at the time I think it was a gamble worth taking.
"Everyone knows he has got good coaching abilities, and the other side of it is the signings.
"If they are all as good as David James, then it augurs well for the future."