West Ham United's powerbrokers have made a plea to fans to back manager Avram Grant and his players.

The Premier League's bottom club are now five points from safety after winning only one match this season.

And the Irons have failed to beat any of the newly-promoted teams in their last three matches at Upton Park.

Vice-chairman Karren Brady gave Grant a public vote of confidence last week but after travelling fans voiced their displeasure during the 3-0 defeat at Anfield on Saturday, the board issued an email to fans yesterday to rally support.

The message said: "The board has designated this match (against Wigan) the 'save our season game' and, in an unprecedented move, has made available 5,000 adult tickets for just £20 to ensure a bumper Boleyn crowd."