Grant given vote of confidence by owner

West Ham owner supported the West Ham coach despite beginning the Premier League season with three consecutive defeats.

By ALLON SINAI
avraham grant 311 (photo credit: AP)
avraham grant 311
(photo credit: AP)
After beginning the Premier League season with three consecutive defeats by a combined goal difference of 1-9, Avraham Grant was finally given some welcome support on Sunday.
Despite being just three matches into a four-year contract at West Ham United, there have been suggestions that the Israeli’s days at the east London club are numbered with his team propping up the Premier League.
However, West Ham coowner David Sullivan insisted on Sunday that Grant is not under any pressure and that his job is not in danger.
“I haven’t relayed any messages to Avraham at all. I just expect a gradual improvement in form. It’s not all doom and gloom,” Sullivan told The News of the World.
“You can’t judge a team after three games. It’s very premature.
When you’re building something it takes time and there have been changes at all levels.
“The next three games are very, very tough. Chelsea at home, Stoke who are particularly good on their own ground and Tottenham at home.
“Three tough games and then the season really starts with the Fulham game on October 2. But I hope to surprise a few people against Chelsea, Stoke or Tottenham.”
After last week’s 3-0 defeat at Manchester United, Grant claimed that there was no need to panic, saying: “It’s only the beginning of the season, so we cannot make any conclusions after three weeks. We must wait for 10-15 games to see our direction.”
For the time being, he seems to have the backing of club owners Sullivan and David Gold.
“He inherited a very unbalanced squad. Over the next year he’ll turn things round. Results will gradually come. Avraham is very, very confident about the future,” Sullivan said.
“He’d love to have £30m- £40m to spend but what manager wouldn’t? “I’ve got every confidence in the manager and every confidence in the team.”