Roeder: Gives fans thumbs up (PhilCole/Allsport)

Despite seeing their team slump to the bottom of the Premiership, West Ham fans have been tolerant of manager Roeder because they accept his heart is in the right place and that he is doing his best on limited resources.

They have kept the moaning to a minimum, and directed their frustration at the West Ham board rather than the team and the manager.

Roeder is grateful for that support, and admitted he would be complaining too if he was one of them.

'I think that our supporters have been fantastic and I am not trying to win them over by saying that,' said Roeder. 'I am genuinely pleased that they have been so placid.

'They could have moaned a lot more and when they have moaned they have been spot on - if I had been sitting in among them I would have moaned as well.

'I have got no complaints whatsoever with any of the supporters. I think that the majority of them see me for what I am - an honest and genuine person with no ego at all and I would like to think that there is no flashiness about me.

'I am a genuine person but that alone is not going to get you results, but they know where I am coming from and I think that is important. I am working as hard as it is possible to work, even harder than I worked last year, and I am finding it so frustrating that I am seeing the same errors being made, particularly in the defensive department.

'Football is a professional sport and it is a result-orientated business, and you have to achieve results - and at the moment we are not achieving results.

'I am not going to throw in the towel. People might say I am mild mannered but I can fight with the rest of them if I need to. This is a fantastic opportunity and I feel confident, I turned it around last year and I am better equipped this year to do the same.'

Roeder's team are still seeking their first win at home in the league this season and are hoping to turn things around when Southampton visit Upton Park tomorrow night.

Striker Freddie Kanoute will start his first match for nine weeks after recovering from a groin injury.

Eduoard Cisse is suspended and Steve Lomas is doubtful with an ankle injury, which means Don Hutchison will be asked to take a place on the bench for the first time since suffering cruciate ligament damage in February.