Matthew Upson: We're in safe hands now under new owners

The England international, who played under the stewardship of David Sullivan and David Gold at Birmingham City, believes the pair are right for the Hammers.

"The new owners are looking to do things properly and stabilise the club, lay proper foundations and build up slowly," said Upson.

"It is a positive thing that they are supporters of the club as well. It has been a big passion of theirs to own West Ham one day and they have succeeded.

"Whenever a club has been taken over by people who, like now, feel passionately about what they are doing, you get the sense they are going to do the right thing. They know the club inside out and it's very important."

Manager Gianfranco Zola also admitted today that the uncertainty surrounding West Ham's future had affected his squad. "The main concern for the players was that some people would be leaving and the team would become weaker," he said. "That was a big distraction. There were so many rumours and the players were getting influenced by that. The big thing is that we will work hard on the pitch from now on and won't be affected by outside problems any more.

"I knew that if I let my mind be affected by those things, then I could not do this job properly. It has been very hard for me but I know I have to maintain that attitude otherwise I would be no good for the players."

West Ham were today closing in on the signing of Benni McCarthy from Blackburn.

Co-owner Sullivan has made an official bid for the 32-year-old South Africa striker and McCarthy, who has expressed his desire to play for the Upton Park club, was thought to be in London last night for more talks.

Should the deal go through, McCarthy could be the first of two strikers signed by West Ham before the transfer window closes.

In a radio interview, co-owner Gold admitted: "We are going for about five in the hope of getting two. That's the way you have to operate in January."