Boss detemined to bolster Hammers

Alan Curbishley has pledged to West Ham fans that he is doing all he can to bring more new players to Upton Park this close-season.

The Hammers boss has only managed to bring in Swiss international Valon Behrami and Icelandic star Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson this summer with many fans unhappy at the lack of activity given that the likes of Nolberto Solano, Bobby Zamora and John Pantsil have all been offloaded.

However Curbishley is not moved by the criticism and is confident of more new arrivals before the Premier League gets underway a fortnight on Saturday.

He told the club's website: "Contrary to some reports we are fully committed to strengthening the playing staff.

"There will not be a mass exodus and fans can be assured we are working as hard as always to ensure high-calibre competition in all areas of the team.

"Since the new group took over West Ham we have tried to push forward and I don't see selling players as a way of pushing forward.

"I want to see certain combinations of players that I haven't had a chance to see. I want to play Craig Bellamy with Dean Ashton.

"I know when I do get them all in that we are a quick offensive side and if we get everyone fit we are in a position to push on. We have a squad that is strong enough to challenge for the top six."