Alvin Martin is looking forward to the new Barclays Premier League season and says it is a chance to think positively for all things claret and blue.
The Hammers legend is excited at the future of the team under new manager Avram Grant, with pre-season training set to start next week and the new Barclays Premier League season to follow the SBOBET Cup at the Boleyn against RC Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday 7 August.
"The club have made an excellent choice in choosing Avram to be our next manager and I have high hopes for the team next season. "We move on and on to a new era at West Ham.
"Avram is an excellent appointment. He has experience of working with top players, his time at Chelsea was probably under-rated. He did a terrific job, was never daunted by the size of the job and then tried to do the best he could at what must have been a very difficult time at Portsmouth with all what they had going on.
"He seems to me to be a steady character, no frills but just gets on with it all and as far as I am aware, had other offers. He chose to come here, chose West Ham as the club he wants to be at and I think is a good choice for West Ham."
Martin, now working as a football analyst for talkSPORT, believed the experience of last season when the team did not reach the heights it wanted, will stand them in good stead and said the stability of the club top and bottom will also help towards a rosier future.
"The structure now is healthier, I am sure the owners will say there is still a lot to be done, but it is more sound now and that is a great thing for the supporters to hear.
"We can start to look to build and go on, the traditions of the club are all part of this and hopefully we can enjoy a more tranquil time now."
The former West Ham captain said there was plenty of quality in the squad and together with a few new fresh faces like Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, saw no reason why the team could not enjoy a solid and positive season ahead.
"We have very good players here already, young players in the first team as well as those still coming through. We have made one new signing already and I know the club are working hard to bring in others to add to what we have here already.
"The players that were here last season will learn from last season but will also be looking to start from a clean slate under the new manager. Everyone will be wanting to get a good solid campaign in the league, with hopefully maybe a nice little cup run alongside that.
"Whatever, they don't want to go through some of the experiences from last season again, but at the same time, it will stand them in good stead. Whether players have had a break all summer or have been in the World Cup, once it starts getting near, they will all be raring to go again for the new season.
"The fans again can play their part and really get behind the team as that is important, but I am very optimistic for the new season for my old club."