'Appy 'Ammers

Congratulations to Kenny and Upton Lark - after a two year absence, West Ham are back in the top flight, and will be lining up alongside fellow Premiership new boys Sunderland and Wigan when the new season kicks off in August.

A solitary goal from much maligned striker Bobby Zamora was enough to see off Preston in Monday's Play-Off Final - the same player having struck twice at Portman Road to lead the Hammers to victory over Ipswich in the second leg of the semi-final.

Unlike Wigan, West Ham have a wealth of experience they can count on to help them out in their bid to survive, and the sort of infrastructure and crowds typical of a Premiership side, but any hopes they may have of avoiding the drop hinge upon Alan Pardew making some very judicious signings as well as holding onto their brightest talents.