The upcoming EPL season is here. Our beloved West Ham United have made some waves in the off season but haven't done much in the preseason matches. Are we sure Big Sam has made the right moves in signings? How are we going to fare this season? (Steve invite others!)

Its a tough one the first season back up always is. Invest too heavily and go down again and you are left in an even bigger financial mess. The problem is Agents still rule so its not necessarily the cost of the player that causes the issue but all the add on crap and fees, they are the true sticking point.

Staying up has to be our main objective by any means, as much as I am not Sam's biggest fan he can do this job but he is not the long term manager for me and potential signings know his style of play and in all honesty they don't want to play hoof ball. No matter what Sam says this is now our style of play. I still believe youth is our best option but Sam believes only Danny Potts is ready and Montano out on loan again hmmmm

I agree that the first season back is always difficult. Of course I don't know if we will be mid table or not but based on the preseason play I am concerned.

Agents are a problem in the game and the inflation of player prices is through the roof. That said though did Sam spend wisely? I have my issues with bringing on 2 keepers and not focusing on youth as you mentioned. The Academy has always been our strong point, these days it seems to be forgotten to some degree.

Staying up is the absolute goal. Not finishing 1 in the fizzy league was... That said, how does the 3rd place team from the Championship usually fare? Our style of play will hardly ever change no matter who is in control but maybe that's the problem? (ps, invite someone)

The keeper situation is worrying as Jussi was a useful keeper in his day but his age concerns me. More worrying is that Montano who has been at UP since he was a kid and did brilliantly in the last 18 months on loan at other clubs has announced today that he has signed For Oldham on a two year contract. So another potential prospect who actually looked like he could do the job and who we invested 10 years of training and development in has been allowed to leave.

That is a big worry for me.

My other concern as usual is the depth of the squad. We obviously are not going to have the strongest squad in the Premiership but Injuries always seem to play a massive part in our season and one or two could absolutely cripple us.

What do lads reckon about Carroll on loan? Big wage packet, but he should thrive at leading the line again. Saw an interesting passing stat about Noble the other day, think he only misplaced one pass out of 55 in a match. If he was at a "BIG" club that would have been all over the papers/TV etc.