Grant: We can match the Hammers

New Albion coach Peter Grant believes the Baggies can match West Ham's flying start to Premier League life during his time at Upton Park.

The former Hammers assistant manager helped Alan Pardew lead the Londoners to ninth in the league and an FA Cup final in their first season in the top flight.

Grant, who was appointed yesterday as first team coach at The Hawthorns, reckons his new club could emulate that achievement.

He said: "That was a fantastic time. We had a fantastic year in the Premier League and got to the FA Cup final as well.

"It shows what can be done because we didn't have a lot of changes from the West Ham team that won promotion through the play-offs.

"We finished sixth in the Championship and ended up finishing ninth in the Premier League.

"There is no doubt in my mind we would have finished higher if we hadn't had the FA Cup run.

"It just shows what can happen if players have belief."

Grant, who has since spent a year as manager of Norwich, reckons West Ham's 'no-fear' approach was the key to their success.

He is urging the Baggies to approach the season with a similar attitude.

He said: "West Ham had no fear and that's what we have to have here.

"You can't be frightened of people you're playing against. You have to try to take them on and try to win.

"That's what Tony has tried to instill in his players and I am no different.

"Tony's old team, Ipswich, went to fifth after coming from the Championship so it is possible."