Hitzlsperger ready for West Ham challenge

He told the club’s official website: “I am sure the team will do better. There is a lot of talent here and it is about getting the players right and delivering what the fans want. The club has had injury problems but we just need luck there.

“The quality is there and there might be a few more changes. I can see there is talent and if we can produce more often than last season then things will go well. Europe is the place to be but we have to be realistic.

“Certainly no one wants to just be fighting relegation – this is not what we are here for. We know we can’t expect to fight for the championship but we must improve on last season and that is what we should aim for.

“We have to all put together and it will come together – the discipline and the quality you need to get results.”