Source: PA
Grant sees bright future for Hammers
Avram Grant believes West Ham have a bright future ahead of them if they can secure Barclays Premier League survival this season.
The Hammers endured a difficult start to the campaign as they battled with poor form and a plethora of injuries, but have responded well since the turn of the year.
The change in fortunes has helped propel the Londoners off the foot of the table and out of the relegation zone, although they still sit 17th in the table.
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble argued earlier this week that the squad's talent belies their lowly position and under Grant's tutorship they can reach the Champions League next season. The former Chelsea and Portsmouth manager laughed off Noble's comments but admitted the future is rosy if they can stave off relegation.
"It is good that players have ambition but first we need to stay in the league," he said, speaking ahead of the clash with Manchester United at Upton Park. "As I said when I came here and even when we had difficult times, we have a vision at this club. Part of the vision is to be in the top third of the league and I think we can do it, but we need to do it step by step.
"First we need to stay in the league, second we need to analyse what we can do better in the next season. One thing I agree with Mark about - without mentioning the Champions League - is that this team is a good team and we can improve. In the next year we can get better and better."
