WEST HAM owners David Sullivan and David Gold have taken the unusual step of issuing a ten-point pledge to fans ahead of next season, with the emphasis on bringing in a 'high-calibre manager' and 'hungry' new players.

The chairmen admitted they have drawn up a shortlist of suitable candidates to succeed Gianfranco Zola, who was sacked last week, with Portsmouth manager Avram Grant thought to be the number one choice.

In a joint statement on the club's official website, Sullivan and Gold said: “Our efforts are focused on recruiting a high-calibre manager with the necessary experience to deliver good football and, most importantly, results.

“A shortlist of candidates has been identified and the appointment will be made with enough time to prepare for pre-season.”

The pair also revealed they would be transforming the face of the playing squad with a batch of new players over the summer.

“For too long, the focus has been on players leaving rather than arriving,” they said. “We will strengthen in the right areas to ensure an exciting and balanced squad that is well placed to cope with the rigours of a Premier League season. Our main aim will be to bring in players hungry to do well who share our ambitions and aspirations.”

The chairmen also insisted they would invest more in the Hammers' Academy, stating that they would bring through more players in the 'West Ham way'.

The hefty debt the pair inherited upon arrival back in January will continue to be cleared. “We have the responsibility to ensure this club is never again placed in a perilous position,” they added. “Great strides have been taken to get us on a sound financial footing but there is still a way to go.

“Difficult decisions have had to be made and that will continue to be the case, but our bottom line on the bottom line is that the club survives.”

Season ticket prices will be frozen for renewals, while there were vows to improve the club's image and 'bring the fun back' next season.

There was also a pledge to 'go for the Olympic Stadium', with the club having submitted their joint bid for control of the stadium after the London 2012 Games with Newham Council yesterday (Monday). “Leaving the Boleyn Ground will be a wrench but the Olympic Stadium is an amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in a financial and football sense.

“Our potential partnership with Newham Council promises to take this club to a new level, while protecting our history and traditions.”

What do you think of the chairmen's pledge? Do you agree with the points made or are there other issues that you are concerned with? Tell us what you think.