Grant hopes luck continues

Europe’s freezing winter has uncovered a lucky charm for West Ham boss Avram Grant – a scarf that has seen his side embark on a fine festive run.

The Londoners have picked up seven English Premier League points out of a possible nine since Boxing Day, and Grant has jokingly put this down to his warm fashion accessory which he will again be wearing when his side travel to Newcastle on Wednesday.

“It started in the game against Manchester United (a 4-0 Carling Cup win in November) when it was very, very cold,” Grant said.

“Someone gave me the scarf and I like it because it’s the scarf of the club. Since then we are winning so maybe it’s not because we score goals – it’s superstition.”

When asked whether he himself was superstitious Grant replied: “Not so much but I’m not going against it.”

Despite having agreed a fee with Aston Villa and personal terms for the acquisition of midfielder Steve Sidwell, the transfer has yet to be finalised, but Grant said the club are dealing with the issue.

“I don’t have any news for the moment,” he said.

“We have a game tomorrow we and we want to concentrate on that. But we are continuing to deal with the situation.”

“I was working with him at Chelsea which was difficult as it was a very big squad but he played from time to time and he never let me down. He’s a good person which will help the atmosphere here.”

“I don’t have anything to say until the deal is done.”

The 55-year-old said he would also welcome the acquisition of former England captain David Beckham to Upton Park, but conceded West Ham face stiff competition from other clubs.

“He’s a big player and a big personality. If he wants to come to West Ham, he is welcome,” Grant said.

“I like him as a player and I like him as a person. And he’s local, which is an advantage.”

“But it’s easier for the other teams that want him. We try to be realistic about these things and try to concentrate on what we have and what we need to do.”

“Many clubs want him and if he wants to come I’ll be happy.”

Grant was full of praise for his Newcastle counterpart Alan Pardew – himself a former West Ham manager – who took over at the Magpies when Chris Hughton was sacked in December.

“I know him and I like him as a person and I think he’s a very good manager,” Grant said.

“They’ve been very good in their last games. But from the beginning of the season they have been good. Andy Carroll has had a fantastic season.”

“We are playing a team that knows how to play as they have been playing together for many years.”

Carroll has been ruled out of the clash with a thigh injury while Valon Behrami and Lars Jacobsen have been passed fit for West Ham.