Hard Work Starts Here

WEST Ham United's Legal Director, Scott Duxbury, has stressed the need for the hard work behind the scenes at the Boleyn Ground to continue as the club looks to move forward and re-establish itself in the Premiership.

"A lot of hard work has been put in over the last two years to get the club back to the Premier League," he explained, "and everyone is delighted that we achieved it so magnificently in Cardiff.

"But, while Premier League football is extremely important to West Ham United and it's fantastic to be back, this is only the beginning.

"We don't just want to survive in the Premiership. Our aim is to continue to take the club forward so it can prosper in the top-flight."

Over the past year, criticism and speculation surrounding the club's financial situation have threatened to overshadow Alan Pardew's attempts to build a team capable of returning West Ham United to the big-time.

Nevertheless, everyone at Upton Park remained confident that West Ham United would regain its top-flight status. And now a place in the Premier League for 2005/06 is assured, Scott reveals that funds for team strengthening will be made available.

"The club has received a lot of criticism over the past two years," he said. "But a lot of it has been unjust and has not taken into account the tremendous work that has gone on to re-build and stabilise the club after relegation.

"Similarly, we have had to cope with constant speculation regarding West Ham United's financial status, most of which was either untrue or inaccurate.

"And where many relegated teams have failed, West Ham United have restructured to create a solid foundation and give the club the best possible chance of returning to the Premiership.

"Despite our Championship status funds were made available to Alan Pardew so that he could bring players to the club who would give us the best possible chance of promotion.

"We're all delighted to have achieved that, but the work will not stop.

"Funds will be made available to Alan Pardew so he can add to the talented and highly-rated squad of players, who deserve a lot of credit for winning promotion this season.

"It has been a fantastic effort from everyone. The manager, players, staff and especially fans have all played their part in what is a magnificent achievement."