West Ham United's kit man has uncovered a secret weapon in their battle for survival.

Hammers boss Avram Grant admitted that a certain item of clothing kept safely by Bob Oteng, the first-team kit-man, was also playing a part - having been worn in the positive recent results against Manchester United, Fulham and Wolves.

He told whufc.com: "I wore the scarf against Man United when it was unbelievably cold. Then Bob said to me that he thinks it brings luck.

"Every time I wear the scarf we seem to win. Don't think it was because we scored goals, it is because of the scarf! It might get uncomfortable in August but it doesn't matter, I will still wear the scarf."