Gabbidon backs Hammers

Gabbidon: Tough start

Danny Gabbidon insists it is too early to write West Ham off despite their poor start to the Premier League campaign.

The Hammers defender understands the pressure heaped on Avram Grant in his first season in charge at Upton Park, especially given that they have lost their first two fixtures.

Grant was expected to bring about a change of fortunes for the side that narrowly survived under Gianfranco Zola last season but, as yet, he hasn't had the desired impact.

His first two games at the helm have resulted in defeat to Aston Villa and Bolton, which could prove very costly given that the Hammers face Manchester United and Chelsea in their next two outings.

But Gabbidon is not worried at this early stage of the season and has assured the fans that results will improve.

Belief

"Those first six or seven games are really hard," Gabbidon told the Daily Star.

"It's a tough start but every game is tough in the Premier League now, so we have to go in to every game believing we can win."

The Wales international, who is almost back to full fitness after an injury-ravaged 18-month spell, said he's not hitting the panic button yet.

"There are only two games gone," he said. "We'd have liked more points on the board, but there's a long way to go, and we can't get too worried, too early."