West Ham boss Grant believes his side are on track for survival

West Ham boss Avram Grant believes his side are on track for survival and has played down the importance of Saturday’s match against Wolves.

The Hammers are unbeaten over the Christmas period after drawing against Blackburn and Everton, while they ended their 15 month wait for an away win with victory at Fulham.

Although those around them have games in hand, victory over rock-bottom Wolves at Upton Park could see them leave the bottom three for the first time this season.

Rumours had circulated that Grant’s position was under threat, but despite the constant pressure the boss has remained relaxed, a stance he is not about to change.

“I think it (the Wolves game) is very important, but I think you the media have asked me this question for the past three or four months,” Grant said.

“While the question is being asked, it means we are on course for being safe. I think it is on course. The last three games we have seen a lot of improvement. It is good, but now we need to win Saturday against a team who are a very good team.

“I don’t think there are any weak teams in this league and that has happened perhaps for the first time.

“The most important thing is that we closed the gap to two points. We have played many games where we have been the better team, but we didn’t take points, but now I think we are more efficient.

“All the games are big games. You remember three months ago, you also asked me whether this was the biggest game, because any game with West Ham where we can get safe is going to be a big game.”

To be certain of safety, Grant would like to see further investment in the squad, but has warned fans not to expect wholesale changes.

“They (the owners) also know that we need to make the team stronger,” the boss said.

“It is not easy because when you have seven substitutes, in every area you want players who can fit in to certain positions.

“So they know we have a lot of long-term injuries and we need to be stronger as we are facing a lot of games now and I think this squad needs to be bigger and stronger.

“Even if everybody was fit I thought we needed only one or two players, but I think we need more now.”