The West Ham players are right behind manager Avram Grant, according to midfielder Scott Parker.

The Israeli masterminded Tuesday night’s 2-1 Carling Cup first leg victory over Birmingham amid continued speculation about his future.

One game away from a final at Wembley, unbeaten in seven and with key players returning from Wembley, Parker says that the team is on the up.

Parker said: “Avram's demeanour seems quite relaxed and chilled out. I think that filters down to the players.

"The lads are fighting as much as the gaffer is fighting. We're all in the same corner.

"We're all trying to do our best for ourselves, for the manager, for the club. The manager's got tons and tons of experience and he's doing a good job.”

Parker’s words will be appreciated by Grant who will take the Hammers into the late afternoon kick-off against London rivals Arsenal on Saturday.

Sources close to Grant in Israel have told the JC about a rift between owners David Gold and David Sullivan. We understand that Sullivan has lost patience and wants Grant out but Gold feels that with four wins, two draws and only one defeat in the last seven games he still deserves a chance.

Speaking after the match against Birmingham, Grant said: "Unfortunately, we have to fight these rumours. I don't want to think about other things, I want to fight. Don't worry about me - I will be fine in any case.”