Embattled Grant determined to move on after turbulent week

AVRAM GRANT is determined to put a turbulent week behind him despite continued doubt over his position as West Ham manager.

Grant appeared to be on his way out of Upton Park following Saturday’s 3-0 defeat by Arsenal amid speculation he was set to be replaced by Martin O’Neill.

Earlier this week the Hammers released a statement saying Grant retains their full support, though reports suggested that came after O’Neill had turned down the job.

The club’s conduct has generated considerable sympathy for Grant, but the Israeli refused to discuss his personal situation ahead of today’s Barclays Premier League clash with Everton.

“What’s happened has happened off the pitch and for me it belongs in the past,” said Grant.

“What’s important for West Ham, the fans and everybody is to concern ourselves with what happens on the pitch.

“We have problems that we need to deal with and not discuss the past. (Now) we have a game against Everton.

“I need to do my job in football and not think about other problems. My personal issue is not the problem.

“It’s my problem, it’s not the problem of everyone. It’s not important to talk about what Avram feels or doesn’t feel.

“I feel that I need to do my job and that I’m the manager here. We need to take points because I believe we can get out of relegation.

“My personal matter is not important. The team is more important than anybody.”

Grant faces David Moyes this afternoon and will get nothing but sympathy from the Scotsman.

Moyes said: “I wouldn’t like to be treated that way – but I wouldn’t expect my chairman (Bill Kenwright) to treat me that way.

“I don’t know what is going on at West Ham, I can only pick up what people put out in the media or through television.

“Avram got to the Champions League final, he has managed top players, he has managed a team that didn’t have any money and got them to the FA Cup final — I think you are talking about someone who has certainly got the attributes as a manager.

“Not all managers are going to win every year, so that’s going to mean some are in the spotlight.

“Unfortunately it has been Avram for most of the year but you can’t say he has not handled himself with complete class. Maybe the people around him haven’t done that.’’

Everton drew 1-1 with the Hammers at Upton Park on December 28 as Seamus Coleman cancelled out a Tony Hibbert own goal.

Irish winger Coleman, 22, gave the club some good news this week as he agreed a new four-and-a-half-year contract.

The former Sligo Rovers player signed his previous deal only last May but Moyes was keen to reward him for his outstanding form in establishing himself in the first team this year.

“What Everton do, if players do well, is renew them [contracts] and up their money and look after them,” said Moyes, who has also tied Victor Anichebe to the club for the same length of time.

“Seamus deserved that for his performances.

“The boy’s development, the way he has come on, is terrific.”