Bookies pile pressure on Curbs

West Ham boss Alan Curbishley admits being amongst the favourites for the sack is 'something he doesn't need' as he prepares his squad.

The Hammers boss is under pressure to improve on last season's mid-table finish, even though tenth spot was achieved after the squad was badly hampered by a number of injuries to key players.

The Icelandic owners will be looking for Curbishley to mount a push for a European place this season and the expectations will bring further concerns for the management.

Curbishley enjoyed a solid position at Charlton in his many years in charge at the Valley but those eyeing a £25 free bet will note that he is amongst the front runners to become the first manager in the Premiership to be sacked and he admits it is a position he is not happy about.

"I've been used to being a 40-1 outsider for the sack but there always comes a time when a manager is put in this position - it seems this is my turn," he told the BBC.

"It soon goes around and focuses on someone else.

"It is something I don't need but nothing surprises me in football anymore though. The bookies have made their predictions and we will have to see what happens.

"It doesn't concern me, only if it comes true. But I am confident I have got the backing of the club and the board."

West Ham start their new Premier League campaign with an opening-day home game against Steve Bruce's Wigan.