The Hammers prop up the Barclays Premier League table and head to Goodison Park for tomorrow's clash with Everton nursing a lengthy injury list.

Grant has already seen his pursuit of Steve Sidwell foiled by vice-chairman Karren Brady and is determined to start recruiting players.

"To be fair, time is running out for us in the transfer window. I wanted to do deals before, but we faced some difficulties," said Grant.

"We have 10 days and we want to use these 10 days to make the team stronger.

"I don't want to be faced again with a squad like we were before Arsenal last weekend and for other games, because now we can change it.

"It's not good, not for us or the players - it's not fair."

Grant insists financial constraints are limiting West Ham's options.

"The January transfer window is not an easy time," he said.

"If you want to buy a good player who is good with the club, you need to do what Aston Villa did with Darren Bent at Sunderland and offer a price they can't say no to.

"When you want a very good player you need to give money that they can't refuse. I'm not Don Corleone by the way!

"We can't do that, so we are trying to do the deal that is best for this time."

Grant denies uncertainty over his future is making it harder for West Ham to land their targets.

"I don't think so. You would need to ask the players that, but I can tell you that in the club we are dealing with this all the time," he said.

"When we speak with the owners we always speak about which players to bring in."

Grant is pleased that for all of West Ham's difficulties this season, the supporters have yet to turn on him.

"From what I talked about with the supporters, they understand what we want to do and understand the difficulties we had this year," he said.

"It's not easy to do this job and I am very pleased they understand that as we need them. They are great.

"I can tell you that in the Carling Cup semi-final when we had 10 players and the supporters stayed behind us, it helped a lot, both for me and the players. You don't go into the fight alone.

"So many have gone to away games and supported us and that is because they understand the situation and know the difficulties we are dealing with."

ends