MANAGER: Gianfranco Zola (Sept 2008)

MAJOR INS: Luis Jimenez (Inter Milan, loan), Peter Kurucz (Ujpest FC), Fabio Daprela (Grasshopper Club Zurich, undisclosed), Radoslav Kovac (Spartak Moscow, undisclosed)

MAJOR OUTS: Freddie Sears (Crystal Palace, loan), Lee Bowyer (Birmingham, free),

KEY MAN: Carlton Cole (90 apps/21 gls)
Squad selector: Pick your West Ham XI

LAST SEASON: 9th

OUR VERDICT: 9th. Zola has made an impressive start to his managerial career and West Ham's youngsters are in safe hands.
Watch Lawro's verdict on West Ham