Never have the Hammers opened a domestic campaign with four successive defeats.

Yet, following yesterday's 3-0 defeat at Manchester United that left them floundering at the foot of the Premier League, that is exactly what awaits if the Londoners lose to Chelsea on September 11.

It will add more spice to an already high-octane encounter.

But even if the result goes against Grant and his men, the Israeli insists he will not panic.

"We knew it would be a tough season," he said.

"We are very disappointed we don't have any points but our target was not just the beginning.

"We are not just looking at three or five games. We need a few more than that to see the direction the team is heading in.

"There are still a lot of games in front of us. If we win two games we will almost be in the middle of the table. I still believe we can do it."

The problem for Grant is that his attempts to lure new players to the club this week could be undermined by the loss of his best ones.

Grant is adamant midfield enforcer Scott Parker is going nowhere, declaring: "I do not want to sell Scott Parker and I expect him to stay."

But Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp thinks he can get the former Chelsea player, while Carlton Cole and Pablo Barrera might also be offloaded before the transfer window closes on Tuesday evening.

For now, Grant is sticking to his stance of being a buyer, although he admits his work over the next 48 hours is not going to be straightforward.

"I hope we will do some business," he said.

"We are trying but we cannot spend a lot of money, so it is not easy."