Disastrous news for West Ham manager Alan Curbishley after a run of three consecutive 4-0 defeats. The Board have said that his job is safe!

"The board of West Ham recognise that recent results have been disappointing and frustrating for everyone connected to the club," a statement said.

"However, there is no question of Alan Curbishley's future as manager being called into doubt. Alan, his staff and the players have done well to put the club into the top half of the table, despite a massive injury list, and they have the full support of the board. Of course, there are challenges to be met and further improvements needed to keep the club moving forward. The board will work with Alan to ensure that the progress we have made is maintained and built on to deliver success and long-term stability for West Ham."

We all know what happens to managers shortly after they have been given the dreaded 'vote of confidence'. It is true that West Ham have suffered from a series of injuries this season and that their progress from last season's last day rescue act has been impressive. There is no doubt that in his many years at Charlton, Alan Curbishley established a reputation as one of England's top managers.

However, I think West Ham fans had a right to expect more this season and after the decent start they had, they would have been justifiably looking up at the European qualification places. The way the season has faded away has been alarming for them, and three 4-0 defeats is just not acceptable.

As an outsider I look at the players available to West Ham and think that they should be challenging for Europe. Even with their injuries, there is no doubt that they should be doing better. In the current climate in football where instant success is demanded by everyone and managers are expected to achieve immediate results, I think Alan Curbishley must be clinging onto his job by his fingernails. The statement released by the West Ham board confirms that in many ways.

I have no doubt that Curbishley is a talented manager and a nice man, but he is not performing well. Other managers have lost their jobs for far less.

What do West Ham fans think? Is he the long term future of the club, or should he go now?