Former West Ham captain Kevin Nolan has backed the Hammers to compete for a trophy this season under Slaven Bilic.
The Hammers were in contention for a top four place for the majority of last season, but their performances dipped towards the end and they eventually finished seventh in the table.
Bilic’s side have made a poor start to the current season, losing three of their opening four league games, and also failed to qualify for the group stage of the Europa League.
Nolan admits that the 2016/17 campaign is expected to be tougher because of the number of quality signings the top Premier League sides have made, but he is still backing his former team to be in the top seven.
The former Hammer also believes West Ham should actively look to bring back a trophy in their first season at the London Stadium.
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Nolan told West Ham TV: “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.”
West Ham will look to get their season back on track when they take on West Brom at the Hawthorns this Saturday.
