The former Hammers skipper insists a top-seven finish and winning a trophy should be the level at which the club find themselves this term.
Former West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan has told the club’s official website that he believes the Hammers should be aiming to finish in the top seven and win a cup competition this season.
The Hammers enjoyed their best season in 14 years last term as they finished seventh in the Premier League table to qualify for the preliminary stages of the Europa League.
Though they suffered a disappointing play-off round exit to Astra Giurgiu, the club undoubtedly made huge progress under Slaven Bilic last season.
The current campaign has started in frustrating fashion however, with that defeat to Astra being followed by a win and three defeats in their opening four Premier League matches, with the Irons conceding nine goals across those results.
However, former captain Nolan is not concerned by the poor start, and insists that under Bilic this term a realistic ambition should be seen as repeating their top-seven finish and also lifting silverware in one of the two domestic cup competitions.
Nolan told the club’s website: “Hopefully the team can start putting a good run together and carry on the success they had last season. Last year the team fell short at the final hurdle at the end of the season. This year the team needs to be looking at winning a trophy and finishing in the top seven.
“It will be a lot more difficult this season as Liverpool have recruited well, Manchester United and Chelsea have also signed good players. You have then got the likes of Tottenham, Arsenal so it will be a tough season.
“But I have got every confidence in Slaven and the players he has brought into the club. With the squad they have got, they can still have a great season and compete for a trophy.”
The Hammers are not yet at full strength, with stars such as Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini only recently returning to fitness.
They have a chance to kickstart their season this weekend with a trip to West Bromwich Albion.
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