Source: Daily_Mail
West Ham must consider Premier League gamble under Avram Grant
THE FIRING LINEThe West Ham board have been holding the gun like a rookie soldier fraught with nerves in recent months, fretting whether or not to pull the trigger on Avram Grant.[LNB]But no such problems at West Brom who ruthlessly disposed of Roberto Di Matteo following a dire run of form which has seen the Baggies plummet down the table into 17th.[LNB] Clock is ticking: After defeat to fellow strugglers Birmingham, West Ham are running out of time in their bid to survive tin the Premier League under Avram Grant[LNB]The former Chelsea midfielder would have had a valid argument by stating he had not been given enough time to turn it around. But in a results driven business the board at the Hawthorns have decided not to gamble with their immediate future.[LNB]With the Olympic Stadium all but secured can West Ham afford to gamble with theirs?[LNB]Each week we bring you our latest chart of the managers under pressure, and those on Easy Street. [LNB]Here's Sportsmail's sack-race rankings - otherwise known as the Firing Line.[LNB] [LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB]1West Ham - Avram Grant Back to the bottom for Grant and although West Ham are only a win from leaping out the drop zone they have played a game more than most of those around them. Catch up time. NON-MOVER[LNB] [LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB]2BirminghamCity - Alex McLeish On the pitch McLeish secured victory in the 'six pointer' against West Ham, but some managers this season have found results alone are not enough to please the top brass. NON-MOVER[LNB][LNB]3Aston Villa - Gerard Houllier Despite some positive results in recent weeks, Villa still sit only three points above the relegation zone. Having spent big Houllier cannot afford to get sucked back into a battle at the bottom. UP ONE[LNB]4 Blackburn- Steve KeanThe owners won't be impressed that Rovers conceded four goals against then the league's worst scorers in Wigan. Kean enjoyed a decent start but the honeymoon period is ending. UP FOUR[LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB] [LNB][LNB][LNB]5Wigan- Roberto Martinez There is hope for Wigan yet after the home victory to Blackburn. It's proved they can score goals after all - and good ones. Liverpool away next though will prove a much tougher task. NON-MOVER[LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB] [LNB][LNB]6Wolves- Mick McCarthyIt would be interesting to see how Wolves would do in Europe, as they just keep getting the better of vastly superior opposition. Not out of danger by any stretch but buoyed by United victory. NON-MOVER[LNB][LNB][LNB] [LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB] [LNB][LNB][LNB] [LNB]7Chelsea- Carlo AncelottiLast seen travelling up the M6 towards Liverpool with a ?50m receipt in hand, Ancelotti has not got long to solve his new striker problem with Spurs breathing down their necks in fifth. UP THREE[LNB]8Fulham- Mark Hughes Is getting some reward for sticking with Andy Johnson who is finally getting back to his best. Looks like Sparky is finally starting to settle at the Cottage. At home to Chelsea next.. DOWN ONE[LNB]9ManCity - Roberto Mancini His side survived the goal bonanza last weekend with the only clean sheet intact. But it's the big one at Manchester United next and what isa pivotal moment in City's title challenge. NON-MOVER[LNB]10Sunderland- Steve BruceWas harshly done by some dodgy decisions at Stoke, but Bruce was visibly fuming at his defence which played a leading role in seeing his side snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. UP TWO[LNB][LNB] [LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB]11Newcastle - Alan Pardew Forget the hairdryer, Pardew gave the half-time team talk to end them all by somehow securing a draw against Arsenal after being 4-0 down. Confidence will be sky high. NON-MOVER[LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB]12Everton- David Moyes Leaky at the back and deadly in attack is not the sort of entertainment you usually get at Everton. After the win against Blackpool, Moyes will aim for a more straight forward win at Bolton next. UP ONE[LNB]13Bolton- Owen Coyle After snatching a last gasp win against Wolves, the boot was on the other foot at Spurs with the home side stealing an injury time winner themselves. The Trotters have lost their way recently. UP TWO[LNB][LNB]14Stoke City - Tony PulisA late assault against Sunderland keeps Stoke's chances of European football alive. John Carew is settling in and the striker on loan from Villa will be keen to face Birmingham next. NON-MOVER[LNB][LNB] [LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB]15Blackpool - Ian Holloway Credit to Holloway who sticks with his 'we'll score one more' approach but Blackpool are proving to just be too easy to score against, losing their last five games. Aston Villa at home next. UP ONE[LNB][LNB][LNB]16Tottenham- Harry RedknappBack-to-back victories against Blackburn and Bolton but not with any ease. Spurs are not playing at their best and face a trip to Sunderland next, traditionally not a happy hunting ground. UP ONE[LNB][LNB]17Liverpool- Kenny DalglishEither Roy Hodgson was that bad or King Kenny is brilliant. With the form Liverpool are in they will be aiming to close the six-point gap on Spurs and Chelsea for a Champions League spot. UP ONE[LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB][LNB]18Arsenal- Arsene Wenger More than just water bottles were probably being thrown around Wenger's house after THAT Newcastle game, but he will take consolation in closing to within a point of Man United. UP ONE[LNB]19Man United - Sir Alex FergusonBang goes the unbeaten run to the most unlikeliest of sources in Wolves, but there is no time to dwell for Fergie as he hosts the 'noisy neighbours' at Old Trafford next. UP ONE[LNB]-WestBromwich Albion - Vacant The Baggies are sinking faster than the Titanic and need someone to come in and fast. Caretaker Michael Appleton is aiming to be the new Steve Kean while Chris Hughton has also been linked. [LNB] Zola scarred by West Ham but fancies return to management in EnglandBring back Guus! Chelsea want former boss to help AncelottiSacked Newcastle manager Hughton set to bounce back with Baggies [LNB] Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, John Carew, Chris Hughton, Ian Holloway, Steve Bruce, David Moyes, Mark Hughes, Harry Redknapp, Roberto Di Matteo, Mick McCarthy, Kenny Dalglish, Tony Pulis, Alex McLeish, Roy Hodgson, Roberto Mancini, Owen Coyle, Roberto Martinez Places: Liverpool, Newcastle, Birmingham, Europe, Olympic Stadium
