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Grant given two more games to turn things around

Avram Grant is running out of time to save his job at Upton Park © Getty Images

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Avram Grant's chances of managing West Ham United for their next Premier League game against Arsenal now hinge on how the team perform in their two cup ties.

Grant looked set for the sack after losing 5-0 to Newcastle United in midweek but after previously going unbeaten for five matches he has earned a stay of execution.

West Ham cancelled Friday's press conference amid reports Grant was on his way out, but the club later reinstated the date with the media and the Israeli will now have Saturday's third round FA Cup clash against Barnsley and Tuesday's Carling Cup semi-final against Birmingham to save his job.

But as West Ham ponder Grant's position, and consider their options on a replacement, time is running out. Twice before Grant has been given his 'last chance', and twice the Teflon man of management has pulled out a result that has kept him his Upton Park job.

Co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan have decided not to contact Grant to discuss the nature of the 5-0 defeat at Newcastle, which is an ominous sign of their growing disillusionment. West Ham are back at the bottom of the Premier League, yet they are only two points worse off than Fulham, who are 14th.

However, West Ham sources have told ESPNsoccernet that owners Sullivan and Gold have lost patience with the manager they gave a four-year contract to only last summer, but while he has been given time because he has suffered a chronic run of injuries, that time and patience has now run out. Grant needs something special to save his job yet again.

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