Paolo di Canio has urged West Ham United fans to back manager Alan Curbishley.

The Hammers legend told WHUTV: "Alan is a good man, he is a great manager. I had the chance to work with him when I used to play for Charlton. He is a hardworking man, and also I think he gives a tactical system in the way you want it and the players follow him in the right way. I think he is one of the best managers in England."

Asked about youngsters James Tomkins and Freddie Sears, Di Canio was adamant: "They must grow up with the passion. They must remember that everything they do they have to do with professionalism but especially they must give even more for these fans because they are absolutely fantastic. They follow the club during the season even when the team maybe doesn't play so well."