Curbishley's squad has been hit by a series of injuries this season and they are currently stuck in 10th position in the Barclays Premier League, with the current run of results bringing his management style under scrutiny.

A statement from the club stressed that the manager had the confidence of the board, who are sympathetic towards Curbishley over the players he has been missing.

"The board of West Ham recognise that recent results have been disappointing and frustrating for everyone connected to the club," the statement said.

"However, there is no question of Alan Curbishley's future as manager being called into doubt. "Alan, his staff and the players have done well to put the club into the top half of the table, despite a massive injury list, and they have the full support of the board.

"Of course, there are challenges to be met and further improvements needed to keep the club moving forward.

"The board will work with Alan to ensure that the progress we have made is maintained and built on to deliver success and long-term stability for West Ham."

Moving the club forward will involve Curbishley and chief executive Scott Duxbury meeting Gianluca Nani, who is set to be appointed technical director.

Curbishley was part of the selection panel to choose Nani for a role that will include looking at the Academy and player recruitment.

Their current season is threatening to fizzle out - they have a five-point cushion in 10th place but are four points behind Portsmouth in ninth.

They suffered their heavy defeats to Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham but goalkeeper Robert Green has put the unwelcome treble into context with a reminder that the club were staring at relegation from the top flight a year ago.

Green, 28, has conceded a dozen goals his last three games and is bracing himself for the criticism that comes with the Hammers' poor run of results.

"We've had three bad results and everyone is going to get flak for it - we're under no illusions about that," Green said.

"But, if you look at it we're in 10th place. If you look at where we were last year, it's a massive step in the right direction.

"We can go and do something about that between now and the end of the season."

Some fans have left the ground early in the last three games and those who stayed chanted songs to make light of their poor form.

Supporters also want to see a more attacking game under Curbishley, although ending a run of defeats is the priority.

"It can't really get any worse. I can't remember a week in football like it, nor can many of the other lads," Green said.

"Come this Saturday against Blackburn it's going to need some big characters to come out and face their own fans and put a performance in.

"It's a question of being professional about things and learning from it - and we've got a hell of a lot to learn from this week.

"I can understand the frustration with the performances that have been put in - it hurts because losing games like that are not what you associate with West Ham.

"The lads are bitterly disappointed. Against Chelsea, it's not fun to play the last 20 minutes with a half-empty ground.

"Likewise at Spurs, the away end was only half-full in the last five minutes."