West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has said that he is aiming to consolidate the club's Premier League standing this season.

Allardyce managed to get the Hammers promoted at the first time of asking last season, with a play-off victory against Blackpool.

The experienced boss believes that this season is crucial to securing a strong future for the club.

Allardyce told the Daily Star: "It will be a tough campaign as there are no easy games. At times we will have to grind out results but the lads and all the staff will work through it to make sure that happens.

"This season is all about consolidating Premier League football. We aim to have a good, solid season. If we do that, we will have already started building towards a successful future."

West Ham have made a number of notable additions to their squad this summer, signing James ­Collins, Jussi Jaaskelainen, ­Mohamed Diame, Modibo Maiga and Alou Diarra.

Aston Villa welcome the Hammers back to the Premier League in their opening fixture of the season on Saturday, August 18.