Curbs: I may take action over 'bitter' Konchesky slur

Curbishley, who last night completed the protracted £6million signing of Kieron Dyer from Newcastle, is furious with allegations made by Konchesky following the player's move from Upton Park to Fulham during the summer.

The West Ham boss launched a stinging counter-attack yesterday, raising the prospect of legal action and branding Konchesky "bitter and twisted".

The England left back had been scathing about Curbishley, who gave him his debut at Charlton at the age of 16 before managing him again at Upton Park.

Konchesky claimed in a newspaper that several West Ham players do not rate Curbishley and suggested the manager was the reason why Carlos Tevez did not stay and Darren Bent refused to sign, preferring to join Tottenham.

Curbishley said: "It was no surprise to me when I saw it - I don't think the boy has any class. I've had a good look at it and there are some things in there I might want to look at again.

"I gave him his debut at 16, the youngest-ever first team player at Charlton. And contrary to some people's observations, we've never had a bust-up.

"I don't quite know where we go from now. He's left the club and he should just get on with his football. I'm not losing too much sleep about it. I've taken his comments with a pinch of salt."

On the possibility of legal action, Curbishley said: "I'm having a look at some of the things and that's for me to think about. But if I talk any more about it I'm in a similar position to him and I'm not going to go down that route."

Asked whether he thought players did not rate him, Curbishley said: "I'll leave that open to opinion."

Sportsmail understands that Bent has contacted Curbishley to distance himself from Konchesky's views.

It is also believed that Tevez is grateful to Curbishley for putting his career back on track with coaching help.

Dyer's signing finally went through yesterday for a fee which could rise to £7m and he is available for tomorrow's trip to Birmingham.

The 28-year-old, who has a four-year deal, said: "A couple of weeks ago I thought the move wouldn't happen. I was devastated but thankfully the clubs came to an agreement."