Hammers new signing Matt Taylor says it was a simple decision to come to a club as big as West Ham United.

West Ham new boy Matt Taylor made his Hammers’ bow at Dagenham on Tuesday night and then declared – “The team have got enough to get back into the Premier League!”

The 29-year-old came through 63 minutes at Victoria Road where Carlton Cole’s goal gave them a 1-0 win, but it is what he said afterwards that will have delighted the West Ham fans.

“There is a lot of good quality here,” said the former Bolton player, who signed in a deal believed to be worth around �2.2million.

“What people forget is that West Ham is a massive football club. I’ve played against them in the past and the ground, the facilities and everything about the club is huge.”

Taylor dropped a division to come to Upton Park, but he insists that it was not something he hesitated about.

“No, it was an easy decision,” said the left-sided midfielder. “It was a football decision and I thrive on playing football and that’s what I’m in it for to be brutally honest.

“Obviously I’m a southern lad so it was nice to come closer to home. I’ve got children so it is important for them to spend time with their grandparents.”

Taylor travelled with Bolton to the United States for their pre-season tour, so he feels he is up to speed in terms of fitness, and now he just can’t wait for things to get started.

“It is going to be a difficult year, but I believe that we have a good chance of going up, though obviously we’ve got to perform on the pitch,” he said.

“I’ve said it before that I honestly believe that the squad and the team have got enough to get back into the Premier League, because that is where this club belongs.

“This is not really a Championship club and that is not detrimental to any other teams in the league, that is just my belief.”

Manager Sam Allardyce was pleased with what he saw from his new signing at Dagenham.

“It was great to see him and great to get him on the pitch and get 60 minutes under his belt,” said the West Ham boss.

“While he has had a full pre-season with Bolton, he has only had one game and he had a long journey back from America, so he’ll be glad to get his boots on and play.”

Goals from midfield have been a problem for the Hammers for many years and Taylor is hoping that he can help put that right this term.

“It would be nice to get my first goal for the club, get off the mark and hopefully that will be sooner rather than later,” said the former Portsmouth player.

“My set-piece work is important and I’ve done okay with it throughout my career.

“It’s nice to be able to put the ball where you want it, but ultimately I will take anything.

“If it comes off my shin or my backside I will be happy!”