And he insists that by staying at the club, Jermain Defoe can enhance his prospects of playing in next summer's European Championships.
"I have only had a number of training sessions but there were a couple of nice link-ups with Jermain and I am looking forward to working well with him and David Connolly - it was nice for them to score on Saturday," he says.
On the debate about 'three strikers, two starting places' he adds: "The main thing is that we get promoted, whoever is playing up front, whoever is scoring the goals - that is the main thing for this season."
But he is assured that Jermain Defoe will be around this season to make sure the other two strikers have to compete to play alongside him, and he adds: "When I signed here I was told there was no way they were going to sell Jermain Defoe, even for £100m, so as far as I am aware nothing is going to attract him away from the club.
"If he can score a bagful of goals this season hopefully that can do his England chances the world of good as well for the European Championships."
Of his debut at Preston, he adds: "We were told that it was over 100 degrees and it was certainly a surprise that it was so warm.
"We were aware of the heat and it was really difficult but we did the best that we could and the main thing was the win.
"This pre-season I have only had 45 minutes tops so far, so it was nice to get 60 minutes under my belt and obviously when there is more fitness that is when you will see the rewards.
"A couple more run-outs and there will be no excuses a few games into it - I will hopefully be firing on all cylinders."
Neil nearly scored on Saturday only to be denied by a double Jonathan Gould save, and he says: "It was a bit unlucky; the keeper made a half decent save but the main thing was the three points and hopefully we can move on from there."
Neil is looking to have a friendly goalscoring competition with his new colleagues and is only too aware they are one ahead now.
But he smiles: "It is a long season!"
Neil was taken aback by the support the Hammers had at Deepdale, and adds: "The fans were fantastic; it was a great away following and they were rewarded with the result - hopefully there will be a few more away trips like that.
"Although we have been relegated to the first division West Ham is still a massive club and you expect that support throughout the season - if we get that I am sure we can deliver on the pitch."
Now he is waiting to sample the home atmosphere and he adds: "I am looking forward to my home debut on Wednesday against Rushden and then Sheffield United on Saturday - I scored against them last time for Liverpool and it would be nice to do that again."
He denies the Rushden game is any kind of 'comedown' and explains: "You still have to deliver the goods in those sort of games and they will be really up for it because it is such a big stadium, Upton Park, and it is a step up for them.
"They will certainly rise to the challenge so we will have to as well."