The season began with much excitement at
Upton Park, as a whole host of foreign signings arrived. However, most of the acquisitions were short-lived and unsuccessful. Romanian striker
Florin Răducioiu walked out in mid-season after scoring just two goals and Portuguese winger
Paulo Futre played just nine games for the club before giving in to a knee injury and announcing his retirement in November. It was a season of struggle for
Harry Redknapp's team, but in the end, a new wave of players helped to keep West Ham in the
FA Premier League on the last day of the season. Exciting young defender
Rio Ferdinand broke into the side, while newly signed strikers
Paul Kitson and
John Hartson gave the attack the boost that Răducioiu and Futre had failed to deliver. ==Final league table==