Previous manager Gianfranco Zola endured a fractious relationship with owners David Gold and David Sullivan before he was axed after narrowly guiding the Hammers to safety last season. Sullivan, who along with Gold saved the club from financial oblivion in January, openly declared his dissatisfaction with the Italian's management of the team towards the end of the season, while Zola was often forced to deny that the pair meddled in first-team affairs. Grant, who has signed a four-year deal at Upton Park, was presented to the media for the first time at the home of the East London club this afternoon. Grant insists that he is not worried about what happened at the club last year and that he will be the only person who conducts transfers and picks the team this season. "There are so many things that happened in the past, even when I went to Portsmouth and Chelsea," said Grant. "I'm trying to ignore the past and look for a new beginning. Everything I've seen until now is ok and it will not be a problem. "They (Gold and Sullivan) have just hired me but so far it is great. They are so passionate about the club. I heard they are supporters of the club since they were children. "Our relationship is good and, of course, I am the manager and I pick the players and the squad and they know that - like it was all my life." England internationals Robert Green, Matthew Upson, Carlton Cole and Scott Parker all played a key part in the Hammers' successful battle to avoid relegation last term. Sullivan raised eyebrows when he said that Hammers captain Parker was the only player that he would not consider selling this summer. Grant played down speculation that the quartet would leave and stressed that they, and Parker in particular, will be integral to his plans for a "new beginning" for the club. The 55-year-old said: "They are players of the team and we are very happy that they are here and we want players who want to be here. I think our supporters deserve this and they are happy. "With the targets of the club, it is very important that we have good experienced players and there is no doubt that Scott Parker is one of them. I watched him last year and DVDs of all the games last year and even though I don't want to look back, I only want to look forward, I can tell you that Scott Parker is very important for us. He is a good football player and has quality." An uncharacteristic howler from Green in England's opener against the United States cost the 30-year-old his place in Fabio Capello's team for the rest of the World Cup. Grant is confident that the Hammers' number one will be able to put the episode behind him when he resumes training a week on Monday. "I spoke with him. He's a great goalkeeper and he proved himself in the past," said Grant. "He's a positive person, so we are happy that he is here. For me, as it is with all the other players, it is a new beginning. I am waiting for his first training session to see him and I'm sure he'll be OK." Grant's only signing since taking charge last month has been the capture of former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger on a free transfer. The club have been linked with moves for a number of players including Germany striker Miroslav Klose and former Pompey player Frederic Piquionne, while West Brom today refused what they described as an "unwelcome" third bid from the club for midfielder Graham Dorrans. With the club in over £90million in debt, Grant admits he is wary of the financial restrictions upon him, and played down suggestions that his club would rocket up the league to a mid-table finish. "We have some targets but it's not easy with the financial situation," he added. "The economic situation is not too easy, not just for West Ham but for other clubs. We have a vision in our club and targets at other clubs and I can tell you that our target - not only for next season, but for the following - is progression. "We want to build a platform so that, each season, we will progress. I think we will do it because we have good players in this club, but of course we want to make the squad stronger."
