Media reports this morning claim West Ham boss Alan Curbishley has the backing of his bosses.

The Sun, however state that the former Charlton chief enters a crucial four-day period that could seriously alter his standing at Upton Park.

But they understand that for now Curbishley has the backing of the club's major players, after the board agreed a £5million move for former Juventus and Fenerbahce midfielder Stephen Appiah.

And the report claims that with a West Ham delegation in Italy trying to secure the services of the 27-year-old, Curbs will feel he has temporary security during a worrying spell for the Hammers' boss.

The east Londoners face a potential banana-skin of a Carling Cup tie against League Two Macclesfield tonight, which follows hot-on-the-heels of the shock proposed sale of defender Anton Ferdinand to Sunderland.

Curbishley was also forced to deny speculation yesterday that record-signing Craig Bellamy was being sold to Manchester City, who stuffed the Hammers 3-0 on Sunday.

And with West Ham hate-figure Paul Ince keen to inflict another defeat on his old club when he brings Blackburn to Upton Park on Saturday - supporters will not be happy if their ex-midfielder who is still despised following his controversial move to Manchester United in 1989 leaves with the points – that will turn up the heat even more on Curbishley.

[Guardian-Series]

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