Lay off Curbishley, old boy Mears tells West Ham

"He transformed them last season and keeping them in the Premiership was a near miracle," said the defender. "I think a lot of that was down to spirit and that didn't seem to be there today.

"I think too many managers these days are put under pressure and sacked unfairly. I don't think he should go in the summer, but you can't say that nowadays. You are not given the time.

"It has been hard for him this season with injuries and he has been forced to bring in young players. But hopefully they can get their players fit, ship a few big names who have not proved good enough and bring in a few new signings.

"A shake-up is needed and I'm sure he'll get it right for next season."

The Hammers were ungainly and unco-ordinated in what was a poor game but victories are rarely straightforward in the Barclays Premier League and brow-beating the manager is no way to give the players heart.

Substitute Carlton Cole provided the Hammers 77th-minute winner after Mears had equalised Bobby Zamora's first-half opener.

Hammers fans may have been educated on more rhythmic football than this but 'disappointed and frustrated' Curbishley invites anyone to scrutinise the back page of the programmeand tick off those players not available.

He said: "We are delighted to get the result but I'm a bit disappointed because there hasn't been too much appreciation of what has gone on and what we have had to put up with this year.

"I don't think there is much appreciation going on at the moment and I can't do too much about that. The players are very disappointed with it."

Perhaps the east London fans should take a long look at the conduct of the Derby supporters. They have remained steadfast while their team fall short week in andweek out and manager Paul Jewell retains his sense of humour.

He was asked how he would feel if the fans booed him after a victory. 'It would be nice to know the feeling,' he quipped.

Indeed it would. "I might not have lost my sense of humour but I have lost everything else," he added.

Last November, a fellow Premier League manager (Jewell declined to name him) spoke to him after his own team had beaten Derby.

"Get as much money as you like on Derby not to win another game this season," he told Jewell, who replied: "Funny you should say that, I'm taking the job next week!"