West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Gold is thrilled to see the Hammers back in the Europa League next season and sees no reason why the Club cannot reach the latter stages of the competition.
Jesse Lingard's extra-time winner for Manchester United in the FA Cup Final win over Crystal Palace on Saturday ensured West Ham will be playing in Europe for the second consecutive season.
Mr Gold feels it is just rewards for a memorable final year at the Boleyn Ground where the Club accumulated the highest number of points in the Premier League, scored the most goals and recorded the best top-flight goal difference since 1986.
Slaven Bilic has already made his first signing of the summer with the arrival of Norway international Havard Nordtveit and with more to follow, Mr Gold feels the squad will be well equipped for another European adventure.
Mr Gold said: “It was an exciting and thrilling end to the Final and what a goal from Lingard to win the game.
“There was so much hanging on it for West Ham fans and we were all left celebrating as we are back in Europe for the second consecutive year.
“As we prepare for the big move into the new Stadium this is another exciting challenge for the football Club.
“Liverpool showed it is possible to go all the way and they were very unlucky to lose in the Final. They could have been in the Champions League next season.
“We should take this competition seriously and we are good enough to win it.
“It will also be another great opportunity for our young players to get European experience and a number of them showed their quality when we played in the early rounds last summer.
“They are now a year older and have more experience under their belt so will be better equipped to deal with the pressures of playing in such a big competition.
“We will also have new signings coming into the squad who will also make the squad stronger and it will be another great opportunity for us to challenge for major silverware and a Champions League position.”