West Ham boss Alan Curbishley admits he has no idea where the squad will need strengthening over the summer following an injury-ravaged season.Curbishley went about reshaping the playing staff in the close season after the exits of key striker Carlos Tevez, Yossi Benayoun and Marlon Harewood.
However, the Hammers boss could then do little but watch in frustration as his big summer signings all suffered fitness problems.
Highly-rated £6million French winger Julien Faubert did not even make it to the start of the campaign after an Achilles injury in pre-season, Wales striker Craig Bellamy has only managed a handful of appearances, midfielder Scott Parker was hampered by persistent knee problems and Kieron Dyer suffered a broken leg during a Carling Cup tie just after getting back into the England side.
Given he has been unable to assess just what his regular first-choice XI would be, Curbishley feels it leaves uncertainty over just how to attack the transfer market again in the summer, by which time new technical director Gianluca Nani will be on board.
"We did spend heavily, but we did also take a lot in, nobody seems to point that out. We had £28million go out, but we took £22million in," said the West Ham manager.
"Players left and they were replaced, but unfortunately for us the players who came in have not played enough football.
"In the first two weeks of pre-season last summer we had a training game with Parker, Faubert and Bellamy all in the same team. It looked quick, exciting and sharp. Then within a week or two, all three of them had gone.
"If they all get themselves back and fit, then we have got four or five new players already.
"The big thing for me is hopefully we can get the guys fit for pre-season, so that I have got it in my mind the best squad when we start up again.
"That will obviously affect if we do anything in the summer.
"I am not too sure what our policy will be over spending or bringing players in, because we have not sat down and had that meeting yet."
West Ham beat Blackburn last weekend with a debut goal from youngster Freddie Sears to get their season back on track following three successive 4-0 defeats.
Curbishley takes his men up to Everton on Saturday knowing another determined performance will be needed to ensure continued progress.
Defender Jonathan Spector is set to make a dash back from international duty with the United States' Under-23 Olympics side to join the rest of the squad on Merseyside.
With England centre-half Matthew Upson struggling to overcome a calf problem, the American could well be thrown straight back into match action with little recovery time.
"Logistically it is a bit difficult," said Spector. "I have to make it back for Everton and my flight will only get in the day before the game."
More Football News from TEAMtalk
