Grant still believes

Grant: Insists Hammers can stay up following the 1-1 home draw with Blackburn

West Ham manager Avram Grant still believes his side can stay in the Premier League following their draw against Blackburn.

A 1-1 stalemate at Upton Park leaves the Hammers bottom of the table with two games remaining and sets up a massive contest with Wigan next week.

Thomas Hitzlsperger’s fine equaliser cancelled out Jason Roberts’ opener but Robbie Keane missed a gilt-edged chance late on to take the spoils.

Grant said: “I think all the game we were on top of Blackburn. We created a lot of chances, in the last 10 minutes, we didn’t score and it cost us the points.

“At least we drew from 1-0 down so it keeps our chances alive. At the end of the day what counts is putting the ball in the net.

“There is no-one more frustrated than me because for all the season, most of the games have been like this. I cannot say anything against the players.

“We missed so many midfield players today. (Jonathan) Spector is not a midfielder, even though he is doing a great job.”

On whether West Ham can stay up, he added: “It depends on other results, we are not dependent on us after today’s result. We have to win against Wigan and I think we can do it.”

No complaints

However, the Israeli coach admits he cannot argue with the position the club are in as the season draws to an end.

“I cannot argue with the position. I think we are playing positive football, I think we are dealing well with problems and missing so many players. I’m not a guy to find excuses or blame it on luck,” he remarked.

Speculation has mounted that co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold are already searching for a new manager but Grant refused to be drawn on such issues.

“My position is not important,” he said. “Everybody in the club wants West Ham to succeed. Some people sometimes make mistakes but from the kitman to the owner, everyone wants the team to stay in the league.

“I can answer only about what I can do. I cannot answer about what other people do. I do not give them compliments but I will not criticise them.”

Scott Parker once more missed out with an Achilles injury but Grant was unable to confirm if he would make the next game.

He commented: “Every week we say next week (he will be back). There is no-one more than me that wants him to play, but if he cannot he cannot. I don’t know.”