EPL, Premiership, English Premier League

Alan Curbishley appears to be under significant pressure early in the season as West Ham struggles through every game. They recently played Macclesfield at Upton Park for the Carling Cup and barely squeezed through even though the score was 4-1. Macclesfield scored in the 5th minute and it wasn’t until the 74th minute that West Ham responded with a strike by Lee Bowyer. The impact was obvious as fans began singing ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ for over 60 minutes while West Ham was down. The game remained tense and in the 90th minute Izak Reid for Macclesfield earned a red card. Macclesfield manager Keith Alexander thought his team played well and were cheated by the referees 90th minute call.

You don’t get anything when you come to these places. It was scandalous, typical of the referees, a ridiculous decision. We played very well, I’m delighted with the players but they didn’t deserve the referee spoiling the game for them. People will think it is sour grapes but we didn’t get a decision all night, and Izak Reid is now distraught. I told the referee but they don’t listen any more, that is why they need half an hour after the game to get their story together. I’m not saying we would have won it but we would have had a better chance.”

In the extra 30 minutes West Ham succeeded in scoring 3 goals.

Alan Curbishley noticed the jeers and responded: “What can I do about it apart from win games and keep going? I’ve had this now for a little while, I’ll get on with it, I’m a big boy as I’ve said before. The disappointing thing is the players are the ones that have to go out and perform. The fans are brilliant when they are behind us and they have to realise the effect it has when they are not behind us. It can all change at the weekend. Football is a bit like this, you go through periods like this. It has happened to other managers and happened a bit last year.”

• West Ham recently lost to Manchester City 3-0 and will be playing Blackburn Saturday.