Curbs confident of board's backing

The Hammers' season is in danger of fizzling out following a third 4-0 loss in a row, with Tottenham handing out a heavy defeat after Chelsea and Liverpool last week.

Curbishley woke up to reports suggesting his job may be insecure, but he is confident his position is secure and said: "I think they are realistic about it but we'll have to see on that score because it's a results business."

He added: "Up until this week we hadn't been too bad so we'll have to bounce back.

"We're in football and nothing surprises anybody but I would have thought (they would understand). They are realistic about what has gone on. They get the update every Monday of the injury situation.

"Any other team that has had six or seven out every week would find it difficult. You can see the difference in teams with settled sides."

Spurs head coach Juande Ramos was pleased with his side's response after two defeats since winning the Carling Cup.

"The goals made it easier and we were in control for a large part of the match," said the Spaniard.

"It was important to have a victory to recover people's esteem."

The only negative aspect of the afternoon was Jonathan Woodgate taking a knock to his foot and calf and getting taken off as a precaution.