West Ham hero Tony Gale has called on the club's owners to get behind manager Slaven Bilic.

Co-chairman David Sullivan's decision to offer a public apology to the club's fans after a 3-2 defeat to Leicester earlier this month suggests the owners remain determined to witness a significant upturn in fortunes between now and the end of the campaign.

"I don't think the board helped by apologising for results, you don't need to apologise as Slaven is trying his hardest," Gale told Sky Sports.

"As far as I am concerned, all the ex-players are concerned and the majority of fans are concerned, everyone is behind him.

"He gets it, he gets the club and they [the owners] need a manager like that at West Ham.

"I think they've got to get behind him and please be quiet. Okay, you own the club, but if you're going to do something, invest in the summer."