David Sullivan says West Ham cannot forget the "amazing job" under-fire manager Slaven Bilic did last season, despite an underwhelming start to the current campaign.
Bilic led the Hammers to seventh place in the Premier League table last term and the club was engulfed by a wave of optimism ahead of their move into the London Stadium.
But the mood among supporters has quickly changed and West Ham are languishing just one point above the relegation zone following Saturday's chastening 5-1 defeat to Arsenal.
The team's disappointing form has seen pressure build on Bilic's position and Sullivan, who held talks with his manager yesterday, has urged the club to stay united as they attempt to climb away from trouble.
"Slaven cares passionately about the football club and this defeat will be hurting him as much as anyone," Sullivan told West Ham official's website.
"I have no doubts that he is doing everything he can to address the situation and everyone is working together to ensure we turn our season around.
"We cannot forget the amazing job that Slaven did in his first season at the club. With a bit more luck he could have taken us into the top four.
"His passion, commitment and outstanding track record at the highest level were among the many reasons we appointed Slaven.
"Despite what some people have said, there is still a great spirit among the players and everyone is working towards the same objective.
"We all need to stick together and get behind the team. We are all part of the West Ham United family and in hard times families pull together," Sullivan insisted.
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West Ham face Liverpool, Burnley and Hull City in the build up to Christmas and need to put more points on the board ahead of a busy festive period.
While Sullivan believes Bilic's side need to "show a lot more" if they are to returning to winning ways he is adamant a mounting injury list has played a key role in the team's problems.
"You cannot hide away from the fact that we were missing a number of influential players through injury for the Arsenal game, including both our first choice wing-backs.
"Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell are key members of our team and are players who make a big difference to the way we play.
"Just when we thought the injury situation is clearing up, we then lost Diafra Sakho for another six weeks and Cheikhou Kouyate damaged his hamstring," Sullivan added.
