Avram Grant – Millwall Legend

West Ham situated on the eastern side of London are better known for their wonderful youth and academy product which they churn out every year. Players such as Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Jermaine Defoe, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Glen Johnson are some of the many notable stalwarts who have graced English Football after graduating from the Academy, proudly called so by the press and the people. The 1966 world cup winning squad had been inspired by the players who were West Ham academy products. Yet this famous club, all the more famous for their fanatic support they receive have finally succumbed to relegation after some time at the top level.

West Ham had always been like a feeder club who sell their academy talents to other clubs for profit. Yet many talented players insisted on playing for the club where they spent all their teens understanding the nuances of football. Led by Scott Parker, an inspirational figure at their midfield, they had all the players capable of steering the club to safety from relegation. But what went horribly wrong? Was it Avram Grant, the soft spoken manager who had been impressive so far in his managerial career or the owners who to be fair invested in a number of loan signing in January to stop the rot at the club? It’s highly difficult to say. But the fact is that every person involved from the players to the board are responsible for this mishap.

Scott Parker has deservedly won the best players award and he looks set to move away from Upton Park this summer. With the sacking of Avram Grant, it has been a step in the right direction. However, it remains to be seen who finally steps in for the job. With Ancelotti publicly declaring his respect for the club and the fact that he would love to be manager at Upton Park, the position has gained all the more popularity. However as far as the news go by, Martin O’Neill and Cardiff Boss Dave Jones have emerged as the front runners along with Chris Hughton.

One of the main stories following the relegation of West Ham has been their potential home and away clash against Milwall, one of the biggest rivalries in the world. On the day of relegation, Milwall fans chartered a plane and flew a message past DW Stadium declaring “AVRAM GRANT – MILLWALL LEGEND” citing the intense hatred among the supporters of these two clubs.

Next season would be one of the most important seasons for this famous club who would look to bounce back from the relegation and come straight back to the Premier League. But for that they need to hold onto their important players plus prize away a manager with enough pedigree.

Tags: English Football, Football World Cup, London, Millwall, Upton Park, West Ham