HAVING avoided “Armaged-don” by ensuring their Premier League survival, co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan have outlined their vision to take West Ham forward.

Their 10-point plan includes issues including the appointment of Gianfranco Zola’s successor — a shortlist has already been drawn up with Portsmouth’s Avram Grant rumoured to be among the favourites for the role — the recruitment and retention of players, action to clear the club’s debt and plans to move the club to the London 2012 Olympic Stadium.

A club statement said: “It may be the close-season but here at West Ham United we are all busy preparing for 2010/11 and putting in place the next steps to take this club forward.

“Having admittedly had a tough end to the last campaign, we are determined to build on the many positives we have at the club and use the summer months to make sure we hit the ground running next time around.”

Zola was dismissed by the club after a dismal season which saw them narrowly escape relegation to the Championship, finishing one place and five points above the drop zone.

As the Italian attempted to steer the team out of danger at the foot of the table, his position was undermined by Sullivan, who took control of the club in January along with Gold and described the prospect of falling out of the top flight as “Armageddon”.

Sullivan apologised to supporters via the club’s official website for a “shambolic” and “pathetic” performance against Wolves in March as Zola’s position became increasingly isolated.

There were also suggestions Zola was unaware of moves to make the entire first-team squad, except for Scott Parker, available for transfer and that he was kept in the dark over a bid for West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans. Zola’s tenure as boss came to an end last week and Sullivan and Gold have pledged to appoint a new boss in time for pre-season training.

The statement continued: “Our efforts are focused on recruiting a high-calibre manager with the necessary experience to deliver good football and, most importantly, results.

“A shortlist of candidates has been identified and the appointment will be made with enough time to prepare for pre-season.”

Sullivan and Gold addressed nine further issues, including rebuilding the team and pledged to keep investing in the academy, which previously nurtured the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole.

“For too long, the focus has been on players leaving rather than arriving,” added the statement.

“We will strengthen in the right areas to ensure an exciting and balanced squad that is well placed to cope with the rigours of a Premier League season.

“Our main aim will be to bring in players hungry to do well who share our ambitions and aspirations.

“We will make sure homegrown talent nurtured in the ‘West Ham way’ will always be given the chance to complement established players brought in from elsewhere.”