Peter: Stick Together

Peter Grant says it is crucial that everyone sticks together as the season reaches a climax.

"The bottom line is you want West Ham United to be the best," he says.

"That is what everybody's goal is - it is important there are no hidden agendas and people genuinely want the club to be the best they possibly can.

"What you always say is that 'fans blow in the wind - and supporters support'."

He is hoping for the right kind of whistling - that which accompanies ecstatic cheering - at Upton Park on the last day and then onto Wigan for the last day of the league season.

"The chairman wants the best for West Ham United Football Club - he is a very passionate man about his club, and anyone who has sat down and taken the time to speak to him would realise that," he says.

"We understand that the Holy Grail for everyone is to be in the Premiership and there is no doubt that with the number of fans we have got and the expectation and tradition here that is where it should be.

"But names don't get you anything, it is performances on the pitch; remember, it is West Ham UNITED and that is what we need to be.

"If we go into the Premiership or stay in the first division we all have to be pushing the same way, because once you start pushing in different directions everyone takes their eye off the ball and it gives people excuses to look for.

"If we stick together hopefully we can get back to the promised land."

He says there are no problems between Alan Pardew and Christian Dailly about the latter's appearance for Scotland midweek, despite reports to the contrary, and adds:

"Jokingly I would say I was delighted he played the full game for Scotland!

"But there is no ideal time as a manager or a coach to have your players away - you know it is part of the calendar.

"Because games are so important at this time of the year maybe they could be fazed out; no matter what, all the top players are going to be involved and there is always something to play for now.

"That is something to be looked at - not Christian, not just Scotland, but all countries.

"They shouldn't be calling on their players at this time because it is an important time for clubs and it is big financially with relegation, promotion, and playoffs or championships - and they should take that into consideration when they are taking players all over Europe.

"You are then expecting them to perform for you on a Saturday at a very important time coming right down to the wire."

Alan is, of course, fully supportive of his players gaining international recognition, and Peter adds:

"There is no problem at all though and we would be delighted if we had 18 players in international football because that would mean you were doing something right on the field.

"I found it a great honour to play for my country and only when you are on top of your form do you get the opportunity to do that."

Looking at the Watford match, he adds:

"Games are never won on paper; if you look at us player for player you would pick us against anyone but we have proved time and again that is not enough.

"Saturday was probably as good a performance as we have had for months with commitment, drive, and determination - which is all we ask for."

Watford boss Ray Lewington could well have been doing the job Peter is now - Glenn Roeder wanted him to be his number two when he took over but he kept his word to go to boss Watford - and Peter says:

"I have heard nothing but good reports about Ray and I have met him a few times; he is a good friend of my manager at Bournemouth, Sean O' Driscoll, and I know his teams try to play football the right way.

"He has done a fantastic job there in difficult circumstances, and he has got some very good players."