"We are in a bad position in the league and quite frankly we need to win, not only on Monday night but some subsequent games as well," he says, previewing the game against Southampton on Monday.
"But it would be a good start because we have let ourselves down this season, everybody knows that; if we work hard, we can put it right.
"We wouldn't be bottom of the league if we had performed like we did last season; we have made too many errors at the back and when we have been on top in games we haven't taken enough chances.
"We have to put it right and put it right quickly, and that is why everyone has been working hard in training to try and get the right situation, so that when we go into games we can hopefully take the lead.
"Everyone wants very quickly and success for different teams means different things; that is, where you finish in the league.
"Realistically I think people know West Ham are not going to win the league - but we are expected to be in the top half of it, so we have got to put some victories together quickly and get away from the bottom if we can."
It is around thirteen hours of home football since West Ham were last ahead at Upton Park and Nigel says:
"We know too often this season we haven't got ourselves into a winning position enough and that is the be-all and end-all of the situation, full stop.
"Getting ahead breeds a lot of confidence as well, we have the players that can do it - we have got to show the fans that we want to do it."
Nigel absolves Glenn of any blame for West Ham being bottom and adds:
"Glenn always works hard and nothing will ever change him; he is a nice guy who knows he is going to take stick if we aren't doing well.
"But also you have to say he can only do the training each week and put us out on the pitch; he can't stop players making individual mistakes.
"People can say he can change the team around a lot but he hasn't got fantastic options because he hasn't had any money at all to spend and a lot of teams that finished around us last season have spent some money.
"Overall we realise we are good enough to finish around where we were last season, but it hasn't worked for us this campaign and we have hard to work to put it right.
"If you look at Middlesbrough for example, they went out and bought some forwards to add to their squad and Juninho as well.
"I think a lot of people realise the only place to play now is the Premiership and to drop out is a big financial blow.
"It is a massive situation for the club and I think the players realise that it is a big game for us.
"We'd like to think we can win it, and we are certainly going out with that attitude - the players are focused and ready for it."
Meanwhile, another left footer at West Ham, Grant McCann, has been given permission to stay another month on loan at Cheltenham Town - and not, as has been reported, Swindon Town!