Paul's appearances have been limited in the last couple of years, after a stunning start to his Hammers' career when he partnered John Hartson up front to keep the side up.
And his spectacular goal at Bishop's Stortford to seal a 7-0 victory on Friday night signalled his intentions for the coming campaign, he insists.
"It was one of those hit and hope ones wasn't it?
"It was a great ball from Michael Ferrante and I just volleyed it, so it was nice to see it fly in the net.
"I trained all through the summer and it is now a fresh start for me with the new regime.
"I've been frustrated the last two years but when your face doesn't fit there is not much you can do.
"You've got to be patient, work hard, and now I've come back fit and fresh.
"You ask why you are you not playing and I suppose if they are not happy with what you are saying they get the hump about it, and other people start to get brought in and you are out of favour all of a sudden."
Paul intends to take out his frustrations on opposing defences this season and he adds: "It was very frustrating seeing the team not perform as well and you are chomping at the bit on the sidelines.
"But Glenn has got the lads buzzing and it's a great atmosphere.
"I've always said I didn't want to leave, that I just wanted a chance, but I didn't get that last season, and hardly got any the season before.
"Obviously people see you not playing and think you must be injured, but if I had a pound for every time someone said that I'd be a multi-millionaire.
"I'll keep plugging away and keep fit and hope the chance will come."
"Of course I wanted to play, but a lot of things were being said which were lies.
"But I don't really want to go into it; no one deserved to be treated like that but it is in the past and even though I could go deeper I don't want to.
"I'm fit and raring to go and I think everyone will be given their chance this year.
"I've had competition all my career and that keeps you motivated.
"I've had a chat with Glenn and he has said it is a clean slate which is all I wanted to hear.
"Glenn has got a lot of good ideas, the training has been very good, and the lads have responded very well.
"It's the best atmosphere I've seen since I've been here, and, although it is only a small squad, I'm sure Glenn is looking at that.
"The lads want to work, they want to play for each other, and most of all play for the manager."
Glenn Roeder confirms that he will be given the opportunity if he shows he is worthy of one, explaining: "All the players know the slate has been wiped clean and as far as Paul is concerned he also knows that Fredi Kanoute and Paolo Di Canio will be my starting partnership this year, and it's up to any of the others to break in.
"But he has been very positive in training and his attitude in and around the training ground has been excellent.
"And what a goal it was the other night - I've seen him do that many times in the summer, he's as fit as I've ever seen him, and he is desperate for another opportunity."