Avram Grant shrugs off doubts about his West Ham future
Grant has guided West Ham to three wins in their last five matches
West Ham manager Avram Grant says questions about his future need to be put aside so the club can focus on Premier League survival.
There was speculation the Israeli was set to be replaced by Martin O'Neill last weekend but the former Aston Villa boss reportedly turned down the role.
Grant said: "We have problems we need to deal with and not discuss the past.
"I need to do my job in football and not think about other problems. My personal issue is not the problem."
West Ham are bottom of the Premier League but have won three of their last five games and earlier this week the Hammers board released a statement saying the former Portsmouth and Chelsea boss retains their full support.
However, the club's failure to quash rumours about O'Neill's arrival before and after last weekend's 3-0 defeat by Arsenal generated a backlash against owners David Sullivan and David Gold, as well as vice-chairman Karren Brady.
There has subsequently been considerable sympathy for Grant but ahead of his side's meeting with Everton on Saturday he was eager to talk only about the task in hand.
"What's happened has happened off the pitch and for me it belongs in the past," added Grant.
"What's important for West Ham, the fans and everybody is to concern ourselves with what happens on the pitch.
"It's my problem, it's not the problem of everyone. It's not important to talk about what Avram feels or doesn't feel.
"I feel that I need to do my job and that I'm the manager here. We need to take points because I believe we can get out of relegation.
"My personal matter is not important. The team is more important than anybody.
Grant threw his scarf into the Upton Park crowd after the mauling by Arsenal but denied it was a poignant moment.
"I treat every game like it's my last game because this is football," said Grant.
"I threw the scarf and I have to say the support from the fans at the end was very touching.
"This is still a very good club and we'll do everything to keep it like this."
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Bookmark with:
What are these?