Avram Grant has admitted his relief at keeping West Ham skipper Scott Parker at the club this summer. Parker has scored twice in his last two league games, one a beautifully chipped finish against Chelsea that turned out to be a mere consolation in a 3-1 defeat, and the other by opening the scoring in their 1-1 draw with Stoke on Saturday.
He was also excellent against Sunderland in their 2-1 Carling Cup victory on Tuesday evening, which confirmed why the club were so desperate to keep hold of the only player co-owner David Sullivan stated was not available at any price.
"We did everything to keep Scott Parker in the team," said Grant.
"Our financial situation, everybody knows, so part of our vision for the club was to take players who are hungry to play, like you saw last night with Victor Obinna and Pablo Barrera and other players who are very hungry to play.
"They want to develop and they will develop along with the club.
"But alongside them, we needed players who are very, very positive players who give everything and with good, positive experience. "Scott is the best example of that."
