Hammers midfielder Matthew Etherington admits that missing out in the play-off final last year was a gut-wrenching experience but insists that it has made the players even more determined not to miss out this time around.
And Matty believes that the disappointment has bonded the squad in a way that wouldn't have been possible any other way.
"I was gutted along with the rest of the lads that we didn't get in to the Premiership but I want to have a real go at it this year.
"I love it here, I'm happy at West Ham and I'll be doing everything I can this year to get us promotion."
** Meanwhile Ipswich Town have signed Northern Ireland international midfielder and former Hammer Kevin Horlock on a free transfer, according to their official.website.