 West Ham had a poor season which involved a prolonged battle against relegation . They finally secured their survival with two games remaining by defeating Wigan 3 – 2 . The club managed to take 35 points from 38 games , seven fewer than the total they had when relegated seven years prior . On 11 May 2010 , two days after the end of the 2009 – 10 season , West Ham announced the termination of Zola 's contract with immediate effect . On 3 June 2010 , Avram Grant signed a four @-@ year deal to become the next manager of West Ham subject to a work permit . West Ham 's form continued to be poor with the team seldom outside the relegation zone , placing Grant 's future as manager under serious doubt . A 4 – 0 Football League Cup quarter @-@ final win over Manchester United was an otherwise bright spot in a disappointing season . West Ham 's form in the Premier League did not affect their form in the two domestic cups . The Hammers reached the semi @-@ final of the League Cup before being eliminated by eventual winners Birmingham City as well as the quarter final of the FA cup before a 2 – 1 defeat at Stoke City . 
