Upson confident of success

By Alex Dunn  

Upson confident of success

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West Ham defender Matthew Upson believes the glory days are on the horizon in the East End, but he has pleaded for patience as Alan Curbishley's side look to knit together.

The big money signing from Birmingham endured a miserable start to his West Ham career last season, after a switch in January, as he managed just 39 minutes in claret and blue.

He is now, though, back to fitness and following a pre-season in which West Ham have been one of the country's biggest spenders, the England international is looking to the new campaign with whetted enthusiasm.

However, while he believes the club and Curbishley have invested wisely, he is eager for West Ham supporters not to have unrealistic expectations, as he is well aware it will take time for the new players to gel with those already at Upton Park.

"I felt I couldn't really mix with the squad too much because I was unable to play a part but nobody here blamed me as far as I'm aware," said Upson.

"Hopefully it is all in the past now. I haven't missed even one training session in pre-season and I just want to get out there for the start.

"We've brought in a lot of quality players, young ones, too, with barely anybody over 30. It is just a matter of how long it will take for us to gel and the key word has got to be patience.

"But the new chairman certainly hasn't let anybody down, has he? He's supported the manager by putting his money where his mouth is and it is all down to us now.

"There is plenty of competition for places and the manager has some nice selection problems.

"There are five of us vying for two spots at centre-back and although I could fill in on the left at times I want to make one of those spots mine, no argument.

"But it will be a lively dressing room, too, with plenty of young men ready to give their opinions on what might go wrong but we have characters who are hungry for success and you need that.

"That's healthy."