Grant puts faith in lucky Hammers scarf

Avram Grant, the West Ham manager, is refusing to ditch his lucky scarf for tonight's match at Newcastle United after wearing it during his team's three-match unbeaten run over the Christmas schedule.

The 55-year-old also wore the club colours for the Carling Cup victory over Manchester United, but did not have them during defeats to Sunderland and Manchester City before the turn in the club's fortunes. "It was Bob Oteng the kit man who supplied it," Grant said. "It was very cold against Man United but very warm after the game. Everything is warm after a win."

West Ham's run has had its lucky moments: Fulham mistakes set up two Carlton Cole strikes at Craven Cottage, while Everton and Wolves scored own goals.