West Ham United boss Avram Grant is confident he has the support of his board.

Grant wants to be around long enough to taste the fruits of his early work.

He said: "This is a good club, a big club but at this time it is not easy.

"I knew this situation, though, when I came here. I knew things would be difficult in this first year but the financial situation has not been good - is still not good. The owners have saved the club. If they did not come, West Ham would have serious problems.

"The target this year is to stay in the League and, we hope, do well in a cup competition."

Grant knows that defeat tomorrow will increase the pressure but he said: "I do not read the reports. I only focus on what I need to do. It will take time to build this team but it could be shorter than people think.

"Of course we would have liked to have some points but I have said to the players it is no good to be happy or sad in October. We need to make sure we are all happy next May."