FORMER West Ham favourite Steve Potts believes that Alan Curbishley has yet to prove himself as the man to take the club forward - but should be given more time to show what he can do.

Curbishley's future as Irons boss looks to be on thin ice following a string of poor performances and three 4-0 drubbings in quick succession.

But Potts - who made 505 appearances in a 17-year career with the east Londoners - reckons an injury-ravaged squad has made it impossible to judge the 50-year-old so far.

"On the whole, he has been unfortunate with injuries," said Potts.

"He signed all these players and if everyone was fit it looks like an exciting squad.

"Kieron Dyer and Craig Bellamy, in particular, are players who would add a lot of pace and change the complete dynamics of the team.

"Not being able to play them, or put out his best side, must really be frustrating Curbishley.

"At Charlton he did a very good job. When he did leave they started to struggle and from that point of view he's got a good track record.

"But it's been difficult to judge him at West Ham - only time will tell how good he can be for the club."

However, the American-born defender added: "By the same token, all clubs get injuries.

"As soon as things start going wrong it is how you respond and lately it hasn't been good.

"They've come up against three very good teams but it is the manner of the performances and the results that has put the club in the spotlight that little bit more.

"Nowadays, managers are under so much pressure to get things right - three bad results and all of a sudden his job is under threat."

Curbishley has had to endure torrents of abuse from sections of the crowd, who have voiced their displeasure at the team's seeming lack of attacking determination in the dour displays against Chelsea, Liverpool and Spurs.

But Potts' best advice ahead of their next fixture - against Blackburn at Upton Park on Saturday - is to get the crowd back on side by going at it from the off.

"Sometimes when results go like that, it can get even harder at home," he said.

"Instead of the crowd turning up and really getting behind the team, they start to wonder how its going to go.

"The best thing West Ham can do is put recent results behind them, pull together and go out there with a positive attitude."

Although the Irons' season appears all-but over with nine game to play, Potts insists it is vital the team see the campaign through in a positive manner.

He said: "Up to a few weeks ago I was thinking how high can they go - it looked like being a really good season, even the possibility of getting into Europe.

"It hasn't quite worked out like that but it's important to finish the season well and go into next year on a good note."

Steve Potts is running in the Flora London Marathon on April 13 in aid of Children with Leukemia. To donate visit bmycharity.com/pottsy