Hammer blow for Derby

OPTIMISTS are in precious short supply in Derby, but Billy Davies found comfort from an unexpected source after his team’s latest capitulation.

Alan Curbishley, the West Ham manager, insists County can survive, despite seeing his own side inflict the Rams’ heaviest home defeat for eight years.

“I know what he’s going through,” Curbishley said. “I had a couple of results like that last year. These results come along but, if you care to look down there, no-one’s stranded. It’s still all to play for. He’s got to take some positives out of it and push on for the next game.”