Chelsea to Appoint West Ham Boss Avram Grant as Sporting Director

West Ham boss Avram Grant set for shock return to Chelsea if Guus Hiddink turns down sporting director job
The under pressure Hammers manager still speaks regularly to Blues owner Roman Abramovich and is the only other candidate if the Turkey boss rejects Stamford Bridge offer

Avram Grant will make a shock return to Chelsea as sporting director if Guus Hiddink turns the role down at the end of the season.

Goal.com understands Grant expects to lose his job as West Ham manager at the end of the season and has held regular conversations with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich about a return to Stamford Bridge.

Frank Arnesen, Chelsea’s current sporting director, is leaving for Hamburg in the summer, with Turkey coach Hiddink the club’s first choice as his replacement.

But the Dutchman, who managed the Blues for three months in 2009, is expected to stay in charge of Turkey if they keep alive their Euro 2012 hopes by avoiding defeat against qualification rivals Belgium on June 3. Even if he leaves Turkey, the 64-year-old will also give consideration to offers from Ajax and PSV.

Grant has had a close relationship with Abramovich for many years and was himself Blues boss for most of the 2007-08 season following the sacking of Jose Mourinho. According to sources familiar with the situation, Grant is the only alternative candidate after Hiddink and could be set for a return to Stamford Bridge.

Grant upbeat despite loss

West Ham boss Avram Grant was in bullish mood when asked about his side’s survival hopes after Saturday’s 3-0 loss at Bolton.

A brace from Daniel Sturridge and another from Chung-Yong Lee were enough to leave West Ham third from the bottom and a point away from safety on the English Premier League table, but Grant played up his side’s hopes of staying in the top flight next season.

“I believe that we will stay in the league,” the Israeli said. “I believe because it?s not what you saw in the first half today.”

“That?s not something that you see every day in our team that was something exceptional.”

“We will show that we can play, we will show also that we can recover and respond to a situation like this, this season and we need to do it in the next six games.”

Grant also paid tribute to Bolton, who he said could play carefree football with their Premier League status not in jeopardy.

“Bolton are not in the relegation zone and they?re not at the top, so they play with freedom and they were trying to play football with a lot of good players and they had nothing to lose,” Grant said.

“We wanted to play different but it was one of those days where everything is going against us.”

“I think even if it?s not looking like it on the pitch sometimes, there is a lot of commitment, they showed it.”

Bolton boss Owen Coyle hailed what he referred to as one of the biggest wins of the season, and said he was looking forward to a productive week on the training pitch ahead of next Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final showdown with Stoke at Wembley.

“It was a great team performance,” Coyle said. “It was obviously important that we got the three points that we were after, but the performance was also exceptionally pleasing.”

“There was also some terrific individual performances and we were backed by an unbelievable crowd all afternoon who were fantastic from start to finish.”

“Every time Daniel Sturridge picked up the ball he lit up the place and Chung-Yong Lee on the right was brilliant all afternoon.”

“But our strength will always be a group and what we bring to the game as a collective unit. We played some slick football and scored some wonderful goals and all in all I thought it was a real free-flowing football game.”

“We now go away ready for a week’s training ahead of what we know will be an exceptionally tough game against a very good Stoke City side.”

Sat 9 April, 2011

Grant upbeat despite loss

West Ham boss Avram Grant was in bullish mood when asked about his side’s survival hopes after Saturday’s 3-0 loss at Bolton.

A brace from Daniel Sturridge and another from Chung-Yong Lee were enough to leave West Ham third from the bottom and a point away from safety on the English Premier League table, but Grant played up his side’s hopes of staying in the top flight next season.

“I believe that we will stay in the league,” the Israeli said. “I believe because it?s not what you saw in the first half today.”

“That?s not something that you see every day in our team that was something exceptional.”

“We will show that we can play, we will show also that we can recover and respond to a situation like this, this season and we need to do it in the next six games.”

Grant also paid tribute to Bolton, who he said could play carefree football with their Premier League status not in jeopardy.

“Bolton are not in the relegation zone and they?re not at the top, so they play with freedom and they were trying to play football with a lot of good players and they had nothing to lose,” Grant said.

“We wanted to play different but it was one of those days where everything is going against us.”

“I think even if it?s not looking like it on the pitch sometimes, there is a lot of commitment, they showed it.”

Bolton boss Owen Coyle hailed what he referred to as one of the biggest wins of the season, and said he was looking forward to a productive week on the training pitch ahead of next Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final showdown with Stoke at Wembley.

“It was a great team performance,” Coyle said. “It was obviously important that we got the three points that we were after, but the performance was also exceptionally pleasing.”

“There was also some terrific individual performances and we were backed by an unbelievable crowd all afternoon who were fantastic from start to finish.”

“Every time Daniel Sturridge picked up the ball he lit up the place and Chung-Yong Lee on the right was brilliant all afternoon.”

“But our strength will always be a group and what we bring to the game as a collective unit. We played some slick football and scored some wonderful goals and all in all I thought it was a real free-flowing football game.”

“We now go away ready for a week’s training ahead of what we know will be an exceptionally tough game against a very good Stoke City side.”

Sat 9 April, 2011

Grant hit with touchline ban, fine

West Ham boss Avram Grant has been handed a two-match touchline ban and a fine for comments made after his side’s FA Cup loss to Stoke City.

The Israeli manager was unhappy with referee Mike Jones after the Hammers suffered a 2-1 defeat at the Britannia Stadium on March 13.

Grant initially denied the charges and requested an independent panel to assess the allegations, but they too found him guilty.

“At an Independent Regulatory Commission Avram Grant was handed a touchline suspension for two matches and fined a total of 6,000 euros,” a FA statement said.

“The Commission found the charge of improper conduct relating to media comments proven, following remarks made in relation to match official Mike Jones in a post-match interview following West Ham United’s fixture with Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday, 13 March 2011.”

Robert Huth opened the scoring for the Potters in the quarter-final encounter before Frederic Piquionne levelled in controversial fashion.

Stoke missed a second-half penalty through Matthew Etherington, but Danny Higginbotham struck the winner with a free-kick.

After the loss, Grant was quoted as telling The Daily Mirror: “Maybe this (Piquionne’s goal) is the reason the referee started the second half very, very strange. Until they scored the goal, he gave fouls and penalties, everything for them.”

The Hammers felt they should have had a penalty when James Tomkins appeared to be hauled down in the area, with Grant saying Jones may have ‘felt a little bit weak’.

Grant, whose team is in a relegation battle, will be in the stands for West Ham’s English Premier League games at Bolton and at home to Aston Villa.

Mon 4 April, 2011

West Ham Manager Avram Grant Handed Touchline Ban During Relegation Run-In

no comments by Jack Atchinson on April 4th, 2011

Upton Park boss will miss trip to the Reebok Stadium and the visit of Villa Park club.

Grant laments bad timing

West Ham manager Avram Grant is angry last week’s international break came when his team had finally hit a good run of form.

Grant’s men spent long periods of the season slumped at the foot of the Premier League table but a recent upturn in fortunes has seen West Ham haul themselves out of the relegation zone.

Before the international break West Ham had suffered just one defeat in six league games but the side could have lost that momentum going into Saturday’s match against Manchester United.

Grant said: “We wanted to play last Saturday because we were on a good run.”

“We had good momentum but this is how the fixtures have worked out and we are looking forward to the game on Saturday.”

“International breaks are not good for the clubs because there are so many Premier League players in international teams. We need to respect the way the fixtures are.”

“From our point of view things are good because it looks like everybody is fit but with West Ham you never know.”

Influential midfielder Scott Parker impressed in England’s 2-0 victory over Wales on Saturday – a mature performance just days after the death of his father. Grant was full of praise for the 30-year-old’s attitude.

He said: “He is a good lad, a positive lad who is good for the team. Scott Parker is maybe the best midfielder in the league this season.”

“He is doing a job that some other players don’t like to do so much. I am pleased he has been recognised by England because he has deserved that for a while.”

West Ham will be without goalkeeper Peter Kurucz (knee) and midfielders Jack Collison (knee) and Junior Stanislas (groin).

Thu 31 March, 2011

Grant laments bad timing

West Ham manager Avram Grant is angry last week’s international break came when his team had finally hit a good run of form.

Grant’s men spent long periods of the season slumped at the foot of the Premier League table but a recent upturn in fortunes has seen West Ham haul themselves out of the relegation zone.

Before the international break West Ham had suffered just one defeat in six league games but the side could have lost that momentum going into Saturday’s match against Manchester United.

Grant said: “We wanted to play last Saturday because we were on a good run.”

“We had good momentum but this is how the fixtures have worked out and we are looking forward to the game on Saturday.”

“International breaks are not good for the clubs because there are so many Premier League players in international teams. We need to respect the way the fixtures are.”

“From our point of view things are good because it looks like everybody is fit but with West Ham you never know.”

Influential midfielder Scott Parker impressed in England’s 2-0 victory over Wales on Saturday – a mature performance just days after the death of his father. Grant was full of praise for the 30-year-old’s attitude.

He said: “He is a good lad, a positive lad who is good for the team. Scott Parker is maybe the best midfielder in the league this season.”

“He is doing a job that some other players don’t like to do so much. I am pleased he has been recognised by England because he has deserved that for a while.”

West Ham will be without goalkeeper Peter Kurucz (knee) and midfielders Jack Collison (knee) and Junior Stanislas (groin).

Thu 31 March, 2011

Survival still priority for Grant

West Ham United coach Avram Grant will continue to prioritize English Premier League survival despite reaching the last eight of the FA Cup.

West Ham defeated Championship club Burnley 5-1 in a fifth-round match at Upton Park on Monday to book a quarter-final against Stoke City.

But with the team second from bottom in the league and three points from safety, Grant insists the players’ focus must remain preserving their top-flight status.

“Our target and first priority is the league, but it’s always good to come into the quarter-finals of the cup,” Grant told ESPN.

“We are the Premier League team so normally we need to win these games, but they (Burnley) are difficult because they are playing well and tactically they are very good.”

“But we played well in the second half and it was difficult for them.”

Thomas Hitzlsperger opened the scoring 22 minutes into his West Ham debut.

The 28-year-old midfielder has been sidelined with a thigh injury since August and was relieved to finally make a positive contribution.

“I didn’t know what to expect after such a long time out,” Hitzlsperger said.

“The manager was speaking to me before the game about whether I would play 30 minutes or start, but I’m delighted to start with a goal and an important win for us.”

“They played well at stages but it was good timing for the goal and the fact I scored, it came together on a special day for me.”

“It’s been a tough time but I’ve been looking forward to this day and it was fantastic.”

Burnley boss Eddie Howe felt his team were undone by West Ham’s superior speed in attack.

“I thought it could have been very different,” Howe said.

“In the first half we had our moments, we had our chances and could have scored more than one.”

“West Ham are dangerous up front with the pace they have and they caught us a couple of times.”

Tue 22 February, 2011

Survival still priority for Grant

West Ham United coach Avram Grant will continue to prioritize English Premier League survival despite reaching the last eight of the FA Cup.

West Ham defeated Championship club Burnley 5-1 in a fifth-round match at Upton Park on Monday to book a quarter-final against Stoke City.

But with the team second from bottom in the league and three points from safety, Grant insists the players’ focus must remain preserving their top-flight status.

“Our target and first priority is the league, but it’s always good to come into the quarter-finals of the cup,” Grant told ESPN.

“We are the Premier League team so normally we need to win these games, but they (Burnley) are difficult because they are playing well and tactically they are very good.”

“But we played well in the second half and it was difficult for them.”

Thomas Hitzlsperger opened the scoring 22 minutes into his West Ham debut.

The 28-year-old midfielder has been sidelined with a thigh injury since August and was relieved to finally make a positive contribution.

“I didn’t know what to expect after such a long time out,” Hitzlsperger said.

“The manager was speaking to me before the game about whether I would play 30 minutes or start, but I’m delighted to start with a goal and an important win for us.”

“They played well at stages but it was good timing for the goal and the fact I scored, it came together on a special day for me.”

“It’s been a tough time but I’ve been looking forward to this day and it was fantastic.”

Burnley boss Eddie Howe felt his team were undone by West Ham’s superior speed in attack.

“I thought it could have been very different,” Howe said.

“In the first half we had our moments, we had our chances and could have scored more than one.”

“West Ham are dangerous up front with the pace they have and they caught us a couple of times.”

Tue 22 February, 2011

Grant wary of manager-less Albion

West Ham manager Avram Grant believes West Brom will still pose a big threat this Saturday despite their opponents sacking their manager last weekend.

The Baggies axed Roberto Di Matteo after their 3-0 loss to Manchester City and as things stand will host the clash at the Hawthorns without a permanent manager.

However despite a chaotic build-up, Grant believes West Brom, who will play the match under first-team coach Michael Appleton, will provide a stern test as both sides scrap for their Premier League lives at the foot of the table.

“It will be a difficult game and it’s not easy because all the players want to impress the new manager,” said Grant.

“You never know what an easy and what a difficult game is. Sometimes when you play at home you think it’s easier but in this game anything can happen.”

“I hope this weekend will be good for us and we know that we need to take points to stay in the league. We know we can win this game.”

The Israeli offered his sympathies to the sacked Di Matteo but revealed he was not surprised at the dismissal given the current expectations in the modern game.

“It will not be the first and it won’t be the last time it will happen. I think it’s always the easiest solution but sometimes the solution is not the right solution,” Grant said.

“I always feel sorry for managers that have been sacked, especially for him.”

“He took the team from the Championship to the Premier League. He started the season very well and I think when there is a difficult time everyone needs to be together.”

“I think people are not prepared to be patient when you want to build a team on good foundations and it’s not stable.”

Three points against West Brom could see the Hammers creep out of the bottom three but Grant knows a prolonged stay out of the relegation zone won’t be easy.

“We have spoken to the players about this,” he added. “We have done it two times (got out of the bottom three) but always take two steps forward and then one back. ”

“The other results may go against us like the two weekends before so it seems we have one good weekend and then a not-so-good weekend.”

Long-term absentee Thomas Hitzlsperger continued his recovery from a thigh injury by playing in a reserve match this week, however Grant played down the chances of the German featuring at the weekend.

“He played 60 minutes yesterday and he is looking good,” Grant said. “I think he will be available soon. Saturday maybe too soon but it depends on the player and we will see how he is after training tomorrow.”

Loan signing Robbie Keane will miss the trip after picking up a calf injury on international duty with the Republic of Ireland, while James Tomkins joins him on the sidelines with a similar problem which he sustained in the warm-up before the Birmingham match last weekend.

Defender Matthew Upson has also been ruled out with an Achilles’ injury.

Thu 10 February, 2011

Grant wary of manager-less Albion

West Ham manager Avram Grant believes West Brom will still pose a big threat this Saturday despite their opponents sacking their manager last weekend.

The Baggies axed Roberto Di Matteo after their 3-0 loss to Manchester City and as things stand will host the clash at the Hawthorns without a permanent manager.

However despite a chaotic build-up, Grant believes West Brom, who will play the match under first-team coach Michael Appleton, will provide a stern test as both sides scrap for their Premier League lives at the foot of the table.

“It will be a difficult game and it’s not easy because all the players want to impress the new manager,” said Grant.

“You never know what an easy and what a difficult game is. Sometimes when you play at home you think it’s easier but in this game anything can happen.”

“I hope this weekend will be good for us and we know that we need to take points to stay in the league. We know we can win this game.”

The Israeli offered his sympathies to the sacked Di Matteo but revealed he was not surprised at the dismissal given the current expectations in the modern game.

“It will not be the first and it won’t be the last time it will happen. I think it’s always the easiest solution but sometimes the solution is not the right solution,” Grant said.

“I always feel sorry for managers that have been sacked, especially for him.”

“He took the team from the Championship to the Premier League. He started the season very well and I think when there is a difficult time everyone needs to be together.”

“I think people are not prepared to be patient when you want to build a team on good foundations and it’s not stable.”

Three points against West Brom could see the Hammers creep out of the bottom three but Grant knows a prolonged stay out of the relegation zone won’t be easy.

“We have spoken to the players about this,” he added. “We have done it two times (got out of the bottom three) but always take two steps forward and then one back. ”

“The other results may go against us like the two weekends before so it seems we have one good weekend and then a not-so-good weekend.”

Long-term absentee Thomas Hitzlsperger continued his recovery from a thigh injury by playing in a reserve match this week, however Grant played down the chances of the German featuring at the weekend.

“He played 60 minutes yesterday and he is looking good,” Grant said. “I think he will be available soon. Saturday maybe too soon but it depends on the player and we will see how he is after training tomorrow.”

Loan signing Robbie Keane will miss the trip after picking up a calf injury on international duty with the Republic of Ireland, while James Tomkins joins him on the sidelines with a similar problem which he sustained in the warm-up before the Birmingham match last weekend.

Defender Matthew Upson has also been ruled out with an Achilles’ injury.

Thu 10 February, 2011

Grant praises hat-trick hero

Hat-trick hero Victor Obinna drew praise from West Ham boss Avram Grant after he fired his side into the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday.

The Nigerian striker opened the scoring against Championship outfit Nottingham Forest before Forest scored twice to take the lead in the 40th minute 2-1.

Not to be denied, Obinna struck back before half-time, In the second half he converted a penalty to seal his hat-trick.

Grant said he was thrilled his striker made the most of his opportunities with the London club.

“He is a good talent. He has not played so many games in the last few years and he is developing,” he said.

“He will get better and better. He scored three goals but we need him to be efficient in the league games.”

Grant said while his side have a cosy fifth-round date with Burnley at Upton Park, he remained focussed on his main objective of the campaign.

“It’s always good to play at home, they know how to support us and push us. I hope to be in the quarter-finals and then it will be interesting,” he said.

“But our target is the league, that is the most important thing, but winning in the FA Cup or the Carling Cup is also a good feeling.”

Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies was proud of his side’s commitment to the cause, as they trailed, then led, before going down to West Ham.

“We played some great football, lost a terrible goal early on not clearing the box quick enough and then we deservedly got on top and then from where I was sitting the second was a little bit fortunate but I’d like to see it again,” Davies said.

“And if it was, that’s the break you need, but the first 45 minutes we played fantastic football, had great possession blowing chances galore.”

“(In the) second half you say to the players, ’start the first 15 minutes well’, but gave away another early goal but (I) have to say I am very proud of the players, in the end a great experience.”

Sun 30 January, 2011

Grant praises hat-trick hero

Hat-trick hero Victor Obinna drew praise from West Ham boss Avram Grant after he fired his side into the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday.

The Nigerian striker opened the scoring against Championship outfit Nottingham Forest before Forest scored twice to take the lead in the 40th minute 2-1.

Not to be denied, Obinna struck back before half-time, In the second half he converted a penalty to seal his hat-trick.

Grant said he was thrilled his striker made the most of his opportunities with the London club.

“He is a good talent. He has not played so many games in the last few years and he is developing,” he said.

“He will get better and better. He scored three goals but we need him to be efficient in the league games.”

Grant said while his side have a cosy fifth-round date with Burnley at Upton Park, he remained focussed on his main objective of the campaign.

“It’s always good to play at home, they know how to support us and push us. I hope to be in the quarter-finals and then it will be interesting,” he said.

“But our target is the league, that is the most important thing, but winning in the FA Cup or the Carling Cup is also a good feeling.”

Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies was proud of his side’s commitment to the cause, as they trailed, then led, before going down to West Ham.

“We played some great football, lost a terrible goal early on not clearing the box quick enough and then we deservedly got on top and then from where I was sitting the second was a little bit fortunate but I’d like to see it again,” Davies said.

“And if it was, that’s the break you need, but the first 45 minutes we played fantastic football, had great possession blowing chances galore.”

“(In the) second half you say to the players, ’start the first 15 minutes well’, but gave away another early goal but (I) have to say I am very proud of the players, in the end a great experience.”

Sun 30 January, 2011

Hammers grant reprieve to Avram

West Ham United have declared they are committed to embattled manager Avram Grant amid speculation Martin O’Neill has turned down the job.

West Ham were reportedly ready to sack Grant and turn to O’Neill to rescue their flailing Premier League season, with the former Aston Villa boss believed to have been tempted with a large bonus should he save the bottom-placed Hammers from relegation.

But reports late on Monday suggested that O’Neill had cooled on taking over at Upton Park after his name was prematurely touted in the media, and with no other suitors on the horizon it appears Grant is safe for now.

English newspaper the Daily Mirror also reported that Hammers vice-chairman Karren Brady had contacted players in an attempt to unsettle Grant, who has made it clear he will not resign.

West Ham released a statement on Tuesday backing Grant and lambasting the latest allegations levelled at the struggling top-flight club.

“West Ham United categorically deny the allegations made in today’s Daily Mirror with regard to Karren Brady, the club’s vice-chairman,” the statement read.

“Karren has worked tirelessly to improve all aspects of the club’s operation and is extremely disappointed by the nature of these unfounded allegations.”

“West Ham fully intend to identify the source of these unhelpful and untrue comments and remove them from the club. West Ham have placed the matter immediately in the hands of their lawyers.”

“The club are committed to retaining Avram Grant as manager and have identified potential transfer targets to give us the best possible chance of retaining Premier League status.”

O’Neill has been out of work since quitting Villa days before the start of the season, and was the frontrunner to replace Grant after the Israeli led the Hammers on their worst-ever start to a top-flight season.

Reports had suggested O’Neill would take over following West Ham’s clash with Arsenal on Saturday, which the Gunners won 3-0.

Grant apparently believed he was headed out the door at Upton Park and made a big show of saying goodbye to the Hammers faithful, throwing his scarf into the crowd, applauding fans and shaking hands with each of his players following West Ham’s loss.

Tue 18 January, 2011

Hammers grant reprieve to Avram

West Ham United have declared they are committed to embattled manager Avram Grant amid speculation Martin O’Neill has turned down the job.

West Ham were reportedly ready to sack Grant and turn to O’Neill to rescue their flailing Premier League season, with the former Aston Villa boss believed to have been tempted with a large bonus should he save the bottom-placed Hammers from relegation.

But reports late on Monday suggested that O’Neill had cooled on taking over at Upton Park after his name was prematurely touted in the media, and with no other suitors on the horizon it appears Grant is safe for now.

English newspaper the Daily Mirror also reported that Hammers vice-chairman Karren Brady had contacted players in an attempt to unsettle Grant, who has made it clear he will not resign.

West Ham released a statement on Tuesday backing Grant and lambasting the latest allegations levelled at the struggling top-flight club.

“West Ham United categorically deny the allegations made in today’s Daily Mirror with regard to Karren Brady, the club’s vice-chairman,” the statement read.

“Karren has worked tirelessly to improve all aspects of the club’s operation and is extremely disappointed by the nature of these unfounded allegations.”

“West Ham fully intend to identify the source of these unhelpful and untrue comments and remove them from the club. West Ham have placed the matter immediately in the hands of their lawyers.”

“The club are committed to retaining Avram Grant as manager and have identified potential transfer targets to give us the best possible chance of retaining Premier League status.”

O’Neill has been out of work since quitting Villa days before the start of the season, and was the frontrunner to replace Grant after the Israeli led the Hammers on their worst-ever start to a top-flight season.

Reports had suggested O’Neill would take over following West Ham’s clash with Arsenal on Saturday, which the Gunners won 3-0.

Grant apparently believed he was headed out the door at Upton Park and made a big show of saying goodbye to the Hammers faithful, throwing his scarf into the crowd, applauding fans and shaking hands with each of his players following West Ham’s loss.

Tue 18 January, 2011

Grant tired of relentless rumours

Avram Grant was again forced to answer questions about his West Ham future despite his side’s 2-1 Carling Cup win over Birmingham on Tuesday.

Pressure has been mounting on Grant in light of the Hammers’ stuttering Premier League campaign, and a 2-1 win in their cup semi-final at Upton Park seems to have offered little respite for the Israeli manager.

Grant said he was remaining focused on the job at hand, and would leave the decision about his future to the club’s directors.

“Why do you need to ask me about something that is not in my control?” Grant said.

“You can ask me why I picked this player and not the other one because this is my responsibility.”

“The other decision is not mine.”

However, Grant admitted the constant speculation about his future did take its toll on the players, but said he was proud of the way they continued to fight for their Premier League survival.

“I lived with rumours, I think, since day one,” said Grant. “For us, it is much easier if the rumours around were like at other clubs.”

“There is Wolves around us, Wigan, Fulham, West Bromwich, Birmingham. The rumours are only about West Ham.”

“If everything was more quiet, I think it would help the players more.”

“Even with this, you saw the spirit of the players today, you saw the spirit of the players Saturday, you saw the spirit of the players against Wolves, against Everton, against Blackburn.”

“We need to fight from other things off the pitch, but I will take it as a challenge. We don’t want to think about any other things except to fight or take the challenge.”

The Hammers will take a slender lead into the second leg of the semi-final at St Andrews in a fortnight, but Grant was not getting ahead of himself.

He said: “It’s an advantage. Nothing’s finished yet but it’s an advantage.”

West Ham won thanks to a howler from Birmingham goalkeeper Ben Foster, who allowed Carlton Cole’s tame shot to slip underneath him and into the back of the net.

But Birmingham boss Alex McLeish defended the former Manchester United custodian.

“He’s (Foster) a big man, he takes it on the chin, he doesn’t hide and he apologised to the players,” McLeish said.

“He’s saved us many times and he’ll save us many times in the future.”

Wed 12 January, 2011

Grant tired of relentless rumours

Avram Grant was again forced to answer questions about his West Ham future despite his side’s 2-1 Carling Cup win over Birmingham on Tuesday.

Pressure has been mounting on Grant in light of the Hammers’ stuttering Premier League campaign, and a 2-1 win in their cup semi-final at Upton Park seems to have offered little respite for the Israeli manager.

Grant said he was remaining focused on the job at hand, and would leave the decision about his future to the club’s directors.

“Why do you need to ask me about something that is not in my control?” Grant said.

“You can ask me why I picked this player and not the other one because this is my responsibility.”

“The other decision is not mine.”

However, Grant admitted the constant speculation about his future did take its toll on the players, but said he was proud of the way they continued to fight for their Premier League survival.

“I lived with rumours, I think, since day one,” said Grant. “For us, it is much easier if the rumours around were like at other clubs.”

“There is Wolves around us, Wigan, Fulham, West Bromwich, Birmingham. The rumours are only about West Ham.”

“If everything was more quiet, I think it would help the players more.”

“Even with this, you saw the spirit of the players today, you saw the spirit of the players Saturday, you saw the spirit of the players against Wolves, against Everton, against Blackburn.”

“We need to fight from other things off the pitch, but I will take it as a challenge. We don’t want to think about any other things except to fight or take the challenge.”

The Hammers will take a slender lead into the second leg of the semi-final at St Andrews in a fortnight, but Grant was not getting ahead of himself.

He said: “It’s an advantage. Nothing’s finished yet but it’s an advantage.”

West Ham won thanks to a howler from Birmingham goalkeeper Ben Foster, who allowed Carlton Cole’s tame shot to slip underneath him and into the back of the net.

But Birmingham boss Alex McLeish defended the former Manchester United custodian.

“He’s (Foster) a big man, he takes it on the chin, he doesn’t hide and he apologised to the players,” McLeish said.

“He’s saved us many times and he’ll save us many times in the future.”

Wed 12 January, 2011

Grant after Cup reprieve

Under-fire West Ham United boss Avram Grant has stressed the importance of reaching the Carling Cup final.

West Ham host fellow English Premier League club Birmingham City in the first leg of their semi-final tie on Tuesday in a welcome distraction from the Hammers’ flailing top-flight campaign.

A run of two wins in three league games was interrupted by a 5-0 thrashing at Newcastle United last Wednesday, leaving West Ham stranded at the bottom of the table once more.

But Grant says reaching the final of the Carling Cup and playing at Wembley Stadium could be the spark the Hammers need to turn their ailing Premier League fortunes around.

“I think it’s very important for this club,” Grant said.

“I didn’t know before but I was told that West Ham haven’t been in a final for 30 years at Wembley. I’ve been there two times in recent years and I enjoyed it.”

“We’ve had a great run (in the Cup). The first game was against Oxford United, but then we won away at Sunderland, then Stoke City at home and Manchester United.”

“That game was a great game for us, so we want to get there and go to Wembley.”

Mon 10 January, 2011

Grant after Cup reprieve

Under-fire West Ham United boss Avram Grant has stressed the importance of reaching the Carling Cup final.

West Ham host fellow English Premier League club Birmingham City in the first leg of their semi-final tie on Tuesday in a welcome distraction from the Hammers’ flailing top-flight campaign.

A run of two wins in three league games was interrupted by a 5-0 thrashing at Newcastle United last Wednesday, leaving West Ham stranded at the bottom of the table once more.

But Grant says reaching the final of the Carling Cup and playing at Wembley Stadium could be the spark the Hammers need to turn their ailing Premier League fortunes around.

“I think it’s very important for this club,” Grant said.

“I didn’t know before but I was told that West Ham haven’t been in a final for 30 years at Wembley. I’ve been there two times in recent years and I enjoyed it.”

“We’ve had a great run (in the Cup). The first game was against Oxford United, but then we won away at Sunderland, then Stoke City at home and Manchester United.”

“That game was a great game for us, so we want to get there and go to Wembley.”

Mon 10 January, 2011

West Ham Boss Avram Grant Told He Must Win One of the Next Three Games to Keep Job

no comments by The Newshound on December 15th, 2010

Upton Park boss living on borrowed time.

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