JULIAN Dicks believes West Ham will beat the drop and that under-fire manager Avram Grant is doing a good job.

And the Hammers legend says he expects them to take something out tomorrow’s derby showdown with Arsenal at Upton Park.

He told the Echo: “If you let Arsenal play they will destroy you.

“But West Ham have looked a lot more solid in recent games, and that has been the basis for better results.

“And Arsenal have shown against Leeds and Ipswich that if you are prepared to close them down you will get a chance to hurt them.

“But Arsenal are not where they are in the league by accident, so it won’t be easy.”

Grant’s future at Upton Park continues to be the subject of intense speculation, but Dicks believes it is too early to sack the Israeli.

“You can only say whether or not he is the right man for the job at the end of the season,” he said.

“And he will only be considered the right man if he keeps West Ham up.

“I don’t think there is much to be gained from getting rid of him at the moment.

“The team is in decent form and only one game away from Wembley.

“So I think the board are doing the right thing sticking with the manager because stability is so important to any football club.”

The 2-1 Carling Cup semi-final first-leg win over Birmingham and FA Cup win over Barnsley last weekend has helped lift the gloom surrounding a club who still find themselves at the bottom of the Premier League table.

But Dicks, who currently manages non-league Grays Athletic, says he has seen enough of West Ham this season to suggest that they have enough quality to get out of trouble.

He said: “I have only watched West Ham a handful of times this season, and it is clear that Scott Parker is their linchpin.

“I think the key is to get a few more players showing the commitment he has shown.

“And hand on heart I honestly believe West Ham will beat the drop.

“But unfortunately for the fans I think they are going to do it the hard way, which is going to make for a very nervous end to the season.”