Curbishley rues 'horrible week'

Alan Curbishley revealed West Ham's recent troubles have left him having sleepless nights - but maintains it is not all doom and gloom at Upton Park.

The Hammers boss received a vote of confidence from the board on Monday following a third straight 4-0 defeat, at Tottenham on Sunday.

Speaking in his column for the Daily Express, Curbishley said: "It has been a horrible week for me, the players and the fans - but there has been no board meeting about it, no players meeting either."

He added: "There is only one thing to do now and that is regroup, get our heads down and work towards our next game.

"For me it's the sleepless nights again, the knot of anxiety in my stomach, but it goes with the job. I have to stay strong.

"Even throughout our bad run of last year there was never a day when I didn't think our fortunes would change. Right now it's the same and I'm looking for that to happen against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday."

Curbishley masterminded a remarkable escape from relegation last season, thanks largely to the goals of Carlos Tevez.

However, the plans of the former Charlton boss - appointed in December 2006 - for progression have been hampered by a crippling injury list.

Curbishley has also come under fire for a perceived negative approach recently, packing the midfield.

Nevertheless, the east London club sit comfortably in mid-table and look assured of their Barclays Premier League status for another campaign.