Grant calls for Hammers passion

12 July 2010 15:05
Avram Grant wants West Ham to follow the example set by Portsmouth last season and show the fans just how much it means to pull on the shirt.[LNB] The Israeli has been handed the task of resurrecting the fortunes of the east London club, who last season flirted with relegation and financial meltdown before the successful takeover by David Sullivan and David Gold.[LNB]Grant - dismissed by Chelsea after leading them to within a penalty kick of winning the Champions League - saw his stock rise when guiding Pompey to the FA Cup final despite all the off-field problems of administration, a nine-point penalty and relegation from the Barclays Premier League.[LNB]The Irons owners have given Grant their full backing, having not seen eye to eye with predecessor Gianfranco Zola.[LNB]Now, the new Hammers boss wants his players to show the same determination Pompey produced when they took to the pitch.[LNB]"The fans here are great," declared Grant. "I was here before for games and the thing I liked was the supporters.[LNB]"They are very passionate about the club and they deserve to see a good team. We will do everything to give them that.[LNB]"What happened in Portsmouth needs to be at West Ham in the way that the players show to the fans that they gave everything.[LNB]"I am sure if they see that the players give everything, then they will show a good spirit, the fans will support them even if we lose games."[LNB]Grant, 55, has brought in former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger on a free transfer, with a £10million deal for Nice striker Loic Remy reported to be close to completion.[LNB]Remy told L'Equipe. "I have always dreamed of playing in England.[LNB]"When a club like West Ham is on the cards, it is always interesting, but nothing has been done.[LNB]"The clubs need to find an agreement and Nice are asking for a lot of money."[LNB]The Hammers boss is also said to be keen on bringing former Pompey striker Frederic Piquionne to Upton Park, while West Brom have an "unwelcome" third bid for Scotland midfielder Graham Dorrans and reports suggest veteran Sol Campbell could be offered a short-term deal.[LNB]However, with the Irons some £90million in debt, there is still a high probability players could yet be sold off - with Sullivan now admitting even captain Scott Parker would be available at the right price, albeit an excessive fee.[LNB]Grant will take his squad to a training camp in Germany as part of their pre-season preparations following the friendly at Peterborough on July 14.[LNB]While away, West Ham will face Borussia Monchengladbach on July 17 and also Greek side Panathinaikos.[LNB]The Hammers head to MK Dons on July 28 and then npower Championship side Ipswich before the visit of Spanish outfit Deportivo la Coruna to Upton Park as the curtain raiser to the new campaign, which kicks off at Aston Villa on August 14.[LNB]Hitzlsperger spent five years at Villa Park earlier in his career, and cannot wait to get back into Premier League action.[LNB]"I am just excited to be back. My time here in the Premier League was great for me," said the 28-year-old German international, who missed out on the World Cup finals.[LNB]"I have been abroad for five years now and coming back it is just wonderful. I have so many good memories."[LNB]Hitzlsperger added on www.whufc.com: "Playing for a big club like West Ham is great for me and I just want to be successful.[LNB]"I have come here, the club had a difficult last season last year and we want to finish higher up the table.[LNB]"I am looking forward to it so much and I am just glad to be here."[LNB]

Source: Team_Talk