Grant facing a thrifty January despite praise
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.West Ham co-owner David Gold believes Tuesday's Carling Cup quarter-final victory over Manchester United provides evidence Avram Grant is getting things right, but has warned the manager he will be expected to maintain improvement without making significant moves in the transfer market next month.
The 4-0 victory, West Ham's biggest over United since 1930, followed Saturday's 3-1 Premier League victory over Wigan and extended a run that has brought just one defeat in six games. Grant's claim that Tuesday was a turning point in the club's season will be tested when his side visit Sunderland on Sunday as they attempt to climb off the bottom of the table.
"With 35 points we got last season, normally that would get you relegated, so in actual fact, [Grant] inherited a Championship side," said Gold, who was forced to listen to Tuesday's events unfold on his car radio after being stuck in traffic.
The businessman, however, has made it clear the club expects more from the current players. "We have brought in some players and made some changes and that's beginning to gel and you saw that on Tuesday night," he added. "Avram will talk to us about January and we'll see where finds are available. He'll tell us where he believes we need to strengthen but you would say after last night's performance he has a good squad."
Jonathan Spector, who marked his first game since August with two goals against United – the first of his career – appears likely to stay at the club after Gold dismissed reports linking him with a move to Germany. Spector, who hopes to continue in Tuesday's unfamiliar midfield position, said: "I think we've got the right mentality – not that we didn't before, but finally it's come right for us."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments