• Premier League

West Ham expected to remain loyal to Avram Grant

ESPN staff
January 17, 2011
Avram Grant has lost two of his last eight matches © PA Photos
Enlarge

Avram Grant could be set for a prolonged stay as West Ham manager, according to one of the club's trusted agents Barry Silkman.

Grant was the subject of fierce speculation over the weekend, with widespread reports claiming he would be sacked after the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal. Former Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill was expected as the Israeli's successor.

However, Silkman has tight contacts with the East London club and is a good friend of West Ham co-owner David Sullivan. Both Sullivan and David Gold are well known for their loyalty to managers and, talking to At The Races, Silkman predicted talk of Grant's departure could prove severely premature.

"I had a call off David [Sullivan] and I think he (Grant) will be there for a long time," said Silkman. "A lot of it is paper talk, rumour, and I think he'll be given time.

"He's had a lot of injuries. The other day against Arsenal he played with seven players who would not usually have been playing.

"Once those players come back fit, we're trying to bring in a striker at the moment - I won't say who it is in case everyone else jumps on it - we'll be alright.

"Avram will be alright. [He can sleep] a little bit easier than he has been."

West Ham had lost only one of seven matches prior to the defeat against Arsenal.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices