The east London club were fined £5.5million by an independent commission after a two-day hearing last month, but crucially escaped a points penalty and are now well placed to avoid the drop with just a one game remaining.

A 'Gang of Four' comprising Fulham, Wigan, Sheffield United and Charlton are currently considering a legal challenge to the ruling, and while Lamb does not foresee Boro taking part in any litigation, he is angry at the commission's apparent leniency.

In 1997, the Teessiders were docked three points after failing to play Blackburn due to illnesses and injury - and they were subsequently relegated from the top flight.

"I consider what happened to us to be a far more trivial and genuine set of circumstances," Lamb said on BBC Online. "I have made our views known to the Premier League as to how lenient we feel West Ham's penalty was.

"Why it has taken from January to April to investigate and then judge on it, I don't know. I think it's been dealt with in a very poor way by the Premier League."

He added: "We are not seeking legal advice, but I have let the Premier League know we are very disappointed.

"From a personal view, I'll be smiling on Sunday if West Ham are relegated."