Sullivan - No Hammers panic

Boss Grant backing owners despite lack of funds

Last updated: 9th September 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Sullivan - No Hammers panic

Sullivan: No panic

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West Ham co-owner David Sullivan insists there is no need for panic at Upton Park despite their miserable start to the season.

The Hammers are currently rooted to the foot of the Premier League table after a trio of defeats at the hands of Aston Villa, Bolton and Manchester United.

Next on the agenda for Avram Grant's men is a home clash against free-scoring league leaders Chelsea, who have roared out of the blocks in the defence of their title, hitting 14 goals without reply to see off West Brom, Wigan and Stoke.

Former Blues and Portsmouth boss Grant retains the full support of Sullivan and David Gold as they look to rebuild in East London following serious financial concerns and last season's relegation scrap.

"I'd like to put the record straight," Sullivan told the London Evening Standard.

Rubbish

"Nobody is pressing any panic buttons and reports to the contrary are rubbish. We are building a new team under a new manager and transition is a tough time but game by game, I anticipate an improvement over the coming months.

"We expect the team to come together over the next few games and see some real progress. When we looked at the early fixtures we knew we faced a tough time but we only managed two points from the same fixtures last season."

Sullivan has also back-tracked over his recent criticism of the club's foreign players, after he suggested at the weekend that some 'couldn't be bothered'.

He added: "It was one or two I didn't want to name. The vast majority are totally committed and we have worked hard with others that wanted to go to get them back onside."

Manager Grant, who was appointed in the summer following the decision to part company with Gianfranco Zola, has admitted he would have preferred greater backing in the summer transfer market, but understands the constraints he is working under.

Future

"The situation at West Ham is not good because there is a lot of debt," the Israeli admitted.

"I would be more happy with a few more million to spend but I know the situation. The owners are trying to do the best.

"You must know that if the owners did not buy West Ham then West Ham could have been bankrupt. In the future I think we will have more money to spend."

Despite their woeful start to the new term, Grant believes that his side still retain the backing of the Hammers faithful.

"The supporters are good and we will try our best to make them happy," he added.

"They are very good, the reception has been good. The most important thing is that they are behind the team. I must say, everyone in the club is trying to do their best."

Comments (2)

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Steve Courtenay (Birmingham City fan) says...

Is there ever a day that we do not have to read assinine comments from self-publicist Sullivan. How glad are we that he is no longer associated with our club. Hopefully Wet Spam will be in the Chumpionship next season and will thus get less coverage !

Posted 11:15 9th September 2010

Gareth Jones (West Ham United fan) says...

I,ve been a hammers fan since 1964 and have lived through all the tough times. Apart from 1985/86 when under the great John Llyall we finished third and should of won the league that year only for a backlog of fixtures in April. We only finished 4pts behind the mighty Liverpool. Three F.A cups in 1964/1975 and 1980. cup winners cup in 1965 apart from them magic moments its been tough. I still love the Irons and hope this time we,ve got it right and can look forward to happy times.

Posted 09:41 9th September 2010
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