Ashton Aims For Top SIx Finish

Dean Ashton, writing in his on-line diary at Icons.com, says that West Ham are aiming for a top six finish this season.

"Obviously losing the FA Cup was a big disappointment but getting to the final and playing so well proved just how far we had come. We could all look back and say there was nothing more we could have done to win the cup and in the end it was one great player who beat us.

That performance and our league position proved what we believed at the start of the season, that we were good enough to compete in the Premiership. Next season I think we should be looking for a top six finish, to do well in Europe and another good cup run;and that's the minimum.

We're all really looking forward to the kick-off against Charlton and running out in front of the fans at Upton Park. They were amazing all season and absolutely fantastic in the FA Cup final and we hope to give them more to cheer about this year. Our success last year has put pressure on us for this season, but it's the sort of pressure you want to be under."