West Ham co-chairman David Gold wants the Hammers to emulate Saints' Premier League successes.

Gold has looked at how, against the perception that they would struggle, Ronald Koeman's side held a Champions League spot for much of the season, pushing to the last before finishing seventh and securing a Europa League spot.

The 78-year-old wants to see the Boleyn Ground outfit do the same as Saints.

He has no doubt Slaven Bilic's side will be in a position to challenge the league's leading clubs once they are playing at a packed out Olympic Stadium when they move  for the 2016/17 season.

It will mean their revenue dramatically increases and will put them among the league's top earners. 

"We are hoping West Ham will be in a position very soon to worry the top five and have them saying: 'Who are these upstarts? Who do they think they are?'" he said.

"As far as challenging these great clubs, it is very, very hard. Southampton challenged last season, and there is absolutely no reason why West Ham can't emulate them.

"There is a big difference between realism and hope. Realistically, in the next five years we would expect to be knocking on the door of Europe, whether that is by finishing seventh or eighth or by winning the FA Cup or reaching the final.

"The longer-term aim is we want to frighten the big boys of Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool. We want the big five to be looking over their shoulders."