I may leave if Hammers go down, admits Parker before getting award

(GETTY IMAGES)

Scott Parker admits West Ham's hopes of staying up do not look good and that he may have to consider a future away from the club.

The 30-year-old midfielder last night picked up the much-vaunted Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award in honour of his superb performances for the struggling Hammers this season.

The east Londoners languish bottom of the Premier League with just two matches remaining and Parker admits it will be a big ask to stave off relegation to the Championship.

"It's not looking good. It's out of our hands a bit even if we win both our games," he said. "I would be lying if I said we had a good opportunity of surviving but there's still a slight chance we can do something.

"All we can do is win our final two games and then see what happens. You never know."

But he paid tribute to the club he joined in 2007 and with whom he agreed a new five-year contract last September, adding: "From the minute that I signed for West Ham I learned what a good club they are, the history, the fan base.

"They're a massive club and it's a great shame that, over the past few years, they have been dogged by one problem after another.

"When the current owners took over it looked as though there would be more stability but then came this season and the poor results on the pitch.

"It's very disappointing and it hurts me a lot. I have the utmost respect for the fans. Yes, I'm winning awards because I'm playing the best football of my career. Why? Because I feel wanted here and it feels like home."

Parker's latest deal made him the highest-paid player in the club's history, but his future is unclear after the West Ham co-owner David Gold revealed last week that he would let the England internationals leave if the Hammers are relegated.

While the former Chelsea and Newcastle midfielder professes to feel at home at West Ham, he admits relegation alters the case. "I'm like every player, I want to be playing at the highest level I can and in the Premier League," he said.

"I don't know what the future holds for me but, for the moment, I'm still keeping everything crossed that we stay up. Otherwise..."