Burning Question

Looking forward to the 2002-03 Premiership campaign, do you believe that West Ham United can better their league finish of 53 points and 7th place last season, and what would you consider to be a success in Glenn Roeder's second year in charge?

Your replies:

Jamie Jardine, Preston
I can't wait, Glenn's doing a fantastic job after a bad start at Upton Park last season. We have a very young squad that can only get better and in Youssef Sofiane we have another excellent young talent in the making. 7th spot for last season was a fantastic achievement and I can honestly believe we can better that. 6th spot and a UEFA Cup place would be a realistic target but I think that if everyone stays fit we are capable of finishing 4th and qualifying for the Champions' League.

Matt Dynan, Camberley
I think we will beat 53 points. With David James being fit from the start, our defence will be stronger away from home (hopefully!) This will be worth a few points and as long as we keep our home form as strong as last year we will be pushing for a European place. Come on you Irons!

Steve Wood, Aylesbury
In true East End optimist fashion, I'd say that we can push Man Utd and Arsenal for the title and should expect automatic qualification to the Champions' League at the very least. We'll double the 53 points gained last season, Jermain Defoe will finish top Premier League goalscorer, and Rio will come back to Upton Park just to get the chance play alongside his brother. Oh, and Paolo will become the club's honorary president. Either that or we'll finish about 9th with 51 points...

Jo Turner, Worcester
I think we can finish higher then 7th, and get more league points. We just need to improve on our away form, and we can easily do that with the players we have.

Karl Van Hoof, Eke, Belgium
Considering the past two months of last season, you would say yes. As far as I'm concerned, key players are staying which is a good sign. In midfield they are a top five team from my point of view. In defence there is a slight improvement to be made and up front they should score a few goals more. I expect them to have more points than last season and at least close the gap on Leeds and Chelsea. Now they have got their new stadium and their average attendance is as good as Chelsea's. Personally, the most important thing to me is that young lads like Johnson and Ferdinand are regulars on the subs bench, which I'd consider a big achievement.