Avram Grant wants his West Ham players to follow the example set by Portsmouth last season and show the Upton Park faithful just how much it means to pull on the shirt.
The Israeli has been handed the task of resurrecting the fortunes of the east London club, who last season flirted with relegation and financial meltdown before the successful takeover by David Sullivan and David Gold.
"The fans here are great," declared Grant. "I was here before for games and the thing I liked was the supporters. They are very passionate about the club and they deserve to see a good team. We will do everything to give them that."
Grant - dismissed by Chelsea after leading them to within a penalty kick of winning the Champions League - saw his stock rise when guiding Pompey to the FA Cup final despite all the off-field problems of administration, a nine-point penalty and relegation from the Barclays Premier League.
The Irons owners have given Grant their full backing, having not seen eye to eye with predecessor Gianfranco Zola.
Now, the new Hammers boss wants his players to show the same determination Pompey produced when they took to the pitch.
He added: "What happened in Portsmouth needs to be at West Ham in the way that the players show to the fans that they gave everything.
"I am sure if they see that the players give everything, then they will show a good spirit, the fans will support them even if we lose games."
Grant, 55, has brought in former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger on a free transfer, with a £10million deal for Nice striker Loic Remy reported to be close to completion.
Remy told L'Equipe. "I have always dreamed of playing in England. When a club like West Ham is on the cards, it is always interesting, but nothing has been done. The clubs need to find an agreement and Nice are asking for a lot of money."
Source: PA
