West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson could not hide his delight after his side ensured their Premiership survival with a 1-0 win at Manchester United. His club's victory sent down Sheffield United after the Blades lost to Wigan. The Icelander said: "I pay tribute to manager Alan Curbishley, the players and fans. I feel such joy and pride." And in a clear reference to the ongoing furore over the Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano deals, he added: "It is right it was decided on the pitch."
United and Wigan have threatened legal action after the Premier League decided not to dock the Hammers points, despite finding them guilty of irregularities over the pair's signing last summer. Ironically, Tevez got the goal that ensured the club's survival and Magnusson added: "Of course I feel sympathy for the clubs who are no longer in the Premiership but, in the end, I believe it is right that football matters are decided on the pitch. "To have won seven games out of nine is a genuine achievement and should not be forgotten as people reflect on the Premiership season. "We have shown this is a club with a great fighting spirit and a group of players who know how to win. "Now we can look ahead to moving forward as a club and building on what we have achieved this season."
Referring to the Premier League's ruling, Curbishley added: ""It's out of my hands but I don't think the decision will be overturned. "It's something that happened before I got to the club but the Premier League have had their inquiry and given their verdict. "All we could do was concentrate on playing football but maybe other people have concentrated on the verdict a bit too much."
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Magnusson feels for Blades - Sky
By Mark Kendall - Created on 13 May 2007
West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson has expressed his sympathy at the plight of Sheffield United, but insists that it is right that the relegation battle has been decided by results on the pitch.
A group of four clubs, Fulham, Wigan, Charlton and relegated Sheffield United, have insisted they will continue to push for further punishment against The Hammers in the wake of the fine imposed on them following the signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. The quartet want to see the East Londoners hit with a points deduction, and ultimately relegation, for the controversial capture of the Argentine duo. However, Magnusson is adamant that the matter has been resolved in the right way and paid tribute to manager Alan Curbishley and his players for their dramatic escape, achieved after a run of seven wins from nine games. "Of course I feel sympathy for the clubs who are no longer in the Premiership but in the end, I believe it is right that football matters are decided on the pitch," he stated. "To have won seven games out of nine is a genuine achievement and should not be forgotten as people reflect on the Premiership season. "I pay tribute to Alan Curbishley, who has provided real leadership since he took over as manager, to the players for the way they have performed in recent months, to all the staff and to West Ham's amazing fans. "We have shown this is a club with a great fighting spirit and a group of players who know how to win. "This is a wonderful moment and I feel so much joy and pride. "Now we can look ahead to moving forward as a club and building on what we have achieved this season."
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Fergie defends United selection - Sky
By Chris Stanton - Created on 13 May 2007
Sir Alex Ferguson has defended his team selection for Manchester United's final game of the season against West Ham. Ferguson's decision to field a weakened team against The Hammers has angered counterpart Neil Warnock, whose Sheffield United side were relegated as a result of West Ham's unlikely victory at Old Trafford. Ferguson claims his side fulfilled their professional obligations, but admits Alan Curbishley's team may have benefited from United clinching the title a week earlier. "I feel for Sheffield United but we did our best and I don't think anyone can criticise us," argued Ferguson. "We had 25 strikes at goal, we had four shots knocked off the line and we had a stonewall penalty turned down. When Neil Warnock sees the stats of our game, he will understand we were unlucky. "The first half was a one-horse race, then they scored right at the end of it, which was disappointing for us but they got encouragement from it. "We had our best team on the field at the end but we won the title last week and it is understandable that took the edge off our game a little bit, so in that sense it was a good time for West Ham to play us."
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Curbs hits back at critics - Sky
By Lewis Rutledge - Created on 14 May 2007
Alan Curbishley believes some of West Ham's rivals should have kept their focus on matters on the pitch. The battle for Premiership survival has been overshadowed in recent weeks by the controversy surrounding the Premier League's decision not to dock any points from West Ham. The Hammers had come under scrutiny for the transfers of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, and were found guilty of breaking Premiership regulations. Sheffield United and Wigan were among those who complained about the Premier League's verdict and threatened legal action, and The Blades were relegated on Sunday as they lost to The Latics. West Ham, meanwhile, completed a fantastic escape by beating Manchester United 1-0 to claim their seventh victory in nine games. And Curbishley believes his side deserve some credit for their performances. "We have been public enemy number one but we have got on with it, kept our own counsel and won seven games out of nine," he said in The Sun. "The Premier League dealt with the situation and I do not think the ruling will be changed. "We concentrated on playing. Perhaps others concentrated on the other side too much."
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Vinny's Manchester United Report - West Ham Online
Vinny - Mon May 14 2007
Manchester United 0 West Ham United 1
Well there you have it – West Ham survive relegation by beating the newly crowned champions on their own turf on the final day of the season. The script just couldn't read any better.
We have watch some shit this season but the last couple of months have seen us work hard, play some good football and most importantly get results. It seemed like only a miracle would keep us in this league at one point but this result saw us end the season being the form team in the league.
The feeling at the end of this game I believe can only be matched by the play off final victory. Just sheer and utter jubilation.
There were no changes to the team which had beaten Bolton at Upton Park last weekend. This was the third game in a row which we had fielded an unchanged line up – something we had not done once this season.
The rain was coming down hard as the players emerged from the tunnel. Our players formed a guard of honour for the new premiership champions but that is where the niceties ended as West Ham showed their new found battling qualities.
Those qualities were shown from the off with tackles flying in. One of these was adjudged to have been a foul on Wayne Rooney. It was Rooney who took the free kick but it was deflected away by James Collins.
The lively Benayoun was looking very good on the ball and his darting run was met by a clumsy challenge by Fletcher. The resulting free kick was swung in to Zamora but it was too long for the top scorer.
Zamora was very close to getting on the end of a pass from Reo Coker on the ten minute mark but the Man United keeper Van Der Sar was out to the ball first.
Manchester United were starting to gain more and more possession which was a bit of a worry as we were struggling to get on the ball. Although superb at keeping possession there was a lack of bite to the Man United attacks.
Fletcher managed to win a soft free kick after Reo Coker was adjudged to have fouled the United midfielder. It was in a very dangerous position but the execution from Henize was poor and it hit off the wall and off for a corner.
We always looked like we could do something on the break and a wonderful pass from Mark Noble over the top of the Man United defence saw Zamora run onto it but Evra got there first and a corner was given. From that corner we had a great chance to take the lead. The intial corner was cleared but the ball was played back out to Tevez who swung the ball into the box for Zamora who looked as though he was going to head the ball past Van Der Sar but Wes Brown got there ahead of him with a fantastic headed clearance.
Rooney was starting to get on the ball more and that spelled danger for our defence. But we threw everything in front of every shot. Collins, the main man for this as he blocked Rooney's shot after the England man was played in by O'Shea.
Rooney played a clever ball into the box which Solskjaer got a toe to as he flicked it over the bar.
Zamora nearly got on the end of a Benayoun dribble and cross but once again it was Wes Brown with a crucial header as we made it clear that we were still very much part of this game.
A potential spanner in the works developed when left back George McCartney went down clutching his leg. He tried to carry on but broke down again and had to be replaced but Jonathan Spector who slotted into the left back position and Spector took one in the special area as Alan Smith crashed a shot at him.
Manchester United's best chance of the half came from a corner which was played short to Smith who clipped a shot which was destined for the back of the net but Benayoun managed to get up to head off the line. The header was into the ground and came out to Richardson who crashed a shot at goal which hit Benayoun and came to Reo Coker who finally managed to get the ball clear.
But just when you thought they were going to take over we again showed that we were in this game as an attacking force when Reo Coker burst down the right hand side and cut the ball back for Tevez who scuffed his shot but it was blocked by the hands of Wes Brown. Our players appealed for a penalty but of course you are unlikely to get one at Old Trafford.
Robert Green had to be alert as he made his first save of the day from an O'Shea header which was powered at goal.
The minutes ticked away and every West Ham fan was happy to go in at half time on level terms. But things were to get much better.
A goal kick was pumped up field which Zamora won the header which fell to Tevez who played a one two with Zamora. He was closed down but was strong in the challenge and the ball looped up and towards goal and as it dropped down Tevez took it on the half volley slotting it under Van Der Sar to put West Ham one goal up at Old Trafford.
Having heard that Wigan were leading could have soured the half time celebrations a little but I was in such a confident mood at this moment I didn't think what happened at Bramall Lane mattered.
The second half was always going to be tense but I thought we showed the best of our defensive capabilities. If effort was a problem earlier in the season it has surely been made up for by the unbelievable desire the players have shown.
Manchester United won a corner early on. This was our first test but we dealt with it with Collins making yet another headed clearance.
We didn't look finished as an attacking entity with Benayoun again showing guile and skill to carve out a cross which Tevez got to first but didn't get his shot off as he would have wanted.
Manchester United brought on their big guns with Ronaldo, Giggs and Scholes replacing Evra, Carrick and Smith.
We were forced into making a change with Zamora (who has been suffering with an injury for weeks) being replaced by Marlon Harewood.
Man United came forward yet again with Neill making a mess of a clearance but Spector was on hand to see the ball cleared.
The game was now an end to end affair with Reo Coker making a chance for Boa Morte who should have hit the target (and scored). The home side though went right up the other end to test us as Rooney hit a strong shot which Green had to be equal to.
The immense James Collins was shown a yellow card despite getting the ball with a crunching challenge on Rooney. The free kick from Ronaldo crashed against the wall and we were able to break with Reo Coker but his cross was too close to Van Der Sar when a better final ball would have see Harewood with a golden chance.
Green made a fabulous save from point blank range a corner found Ronaldo who head at goal. Ronaldo would again be denied by Green moments later when he found space to get a shot off.
A penalty appeal for Man United was turned down when O'Shea was played through. Green and Boa Morte appeared sandwich the Irish international as the opposition players surrounded the referee who waved their appeals away.
The last ten minutes were more comfortable than I had estimated as the home didn't really pile on constant pressure. Marlon Harewood saw a powerful shot knocked away by Van Der Sar for a corner as the party for the West Ham fans was just beginning.
Apart from a Scholes shot which was saved well by Robert Green that was to be the end of the action as West Ham secured their position in the Premier League for next season. It was scenes of joy at the end as the West Ham players celebrated with the fans.
What a day.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Made a few really good saves from a keeper who looks on top of his game. A confident display and one which we have now come to expect from 'Greeno'.
Lucas Neill
The 'real' captain put on another excellent display today. I was impressed by his all round game yet again as he put on another complete performance. Can't wait to see him as captain next season.
James Collins
Has really stepped up to the challenge despite looking the most unlikely to do so. Today he was immense in the air which we have come to expect but I thought he would be on the back foot a lot more with the players Manchester United posess. Made some great blocks and threw himself at everything.
Anton Ferdinand
Impressed with his attitude since the mare at Sheffield. Has stepped up his game and although not under too much pressure today he kept his concentration and turned in a solid performance.
George McCartney
Was playing well until his injury. The man has worked his way into a lot of supporters good books with some excellent displays in recent games. His injury was unfortunate but I am sure we will see more of him next season.
Yossi Benayoun
Why oh why could he not have played like this earlier in the season. I had forgot what Yossi Benayoun was all about but this reminded me that he is a really good footballer with a lot to offer this football club. He was our main threat going forward showing his skill and vision time after time. I was so impressed he is my Man of the match.
Nigel Reo Coker
Everything that is good about him he showed today. His qualities are hustling the opposition which he did time after time. His ability to burst forward was out on display but of course his passing was truly awful and something he needs to sort out. His post match comments have not done much to endure him to me and I don't expect him to be around next season.
Mark Noble
A very assured performance in first half followed by a quieter one in the second. Loved the way he sent a crunching challenge in on Giggs shortly after Man United brought him on. Not afraid of anything or anyone. West Ham through and through and his tears of joy at the end summed it all up.
Luis Boa Morte
I am trying so hard to like him but I can't help thinking he is a bit of a cunt. Am I alone in this? Am I being harsh? Something about him I just don't like (and no its not because he is black). Had a couple of chances today which he fluffed. His defensive work was shocking and nearly gave away a penalty.
Bobby Zamora
A typical Bobby Zamora performance. Worked hard, linked up well with the other players and finishes the season as the clubs top goal scorer.
Carlos Tevez
On what could be his last performance for the club, the magical Argentinian scored the winning goal which kept West Ham in the premier league for another season. Its not just his performance that have done so much for the team but his whole persona is something the fans have gone mad for. The skill, the passion, the results the man gets – he will long be remembered as the saviour and it is justified.
Subs Used
Jonathan Spector (on for McCartney 29 mins)
Credit where credit is due, Spector played most of this game in a position he is not familiar with and did a good job.
Marlon Harewood (on for Zamora 62 Mins)
A typical awkward showing from Harewood. Caused a few problems of the Man United defence and did his best in making things uncomfortable for them.
Hayden Mullins (on for Tevez 82 mins)
On just to give us more of a defensive edge.
Overall
Seven wins out of nine games. It doesn't matter what anyone says – that is fucking magnificent. Alan Curbishley has done the job he was brought in to do, despite all the shit that has gone on at this club over the past year.
It has been one hell of a ride this season – mostly a bad one but with its positives points – most coming in the last few months.
I am absolutely delighted that we have managed to somehow survive. It is hard to put into words how happy I am.
They can bring their court cases, they can slag the club till their blue in the face – but we are West Ham, and we are Premier League. Where we belong. And you can stick your fucking points deduction up your arse.
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We Are Staying Up? - West Ham Online
Billy Blagg - Mon May 14 2007
A few months ago an Arsenal supporting work colleague of mine said that 'if West Ham stay up this year it will be the greatest escape since Steve McQueen last put down a baseball and picked up a motorbike' As you would expect from an Arse fan, this was palpable nonsense.
In fact, what West Ham United achieved with their 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford – say that again ,it does sound sweet, doesn't it? – was the greatest return from the dead since Lazarus threw off the shroud and legged it down to Joe Corals to put a pony on the 3:50 at Chepstow. To win seven out of nine games at a time when the team were playing without heart, hope or style has been simply astonishing. That those wins have come against sides that have subsequently claimed European places; Arsenal, Manchester United, Everton and Bolton has made it even more amazing.
Of course, there will be people who say they always knew that the Hammers would survive but I don't believe they are people who witnessed the home defeat to Watford or the cruel blow of that last minute Berbatov goal by Spurs. I remember smiling ruefully when that goal went in – 'isn't that typical West Ham? After all, we were down anyway and that's just another kick to make sure we suffer.' I've just read a review I wrote of the win at the Emirates 'a great score-line but not much more than the last meal of a condemned man' and I'm normally pretty optimistic for a West Ham supporter! No, this has been an amazing escape - probably the best ever - and don't let anyone tell you differently.
The only problem with feeling the way I do now is that there has been much wrong with this season – putting it mildly, in fact it's been awful! - and I know I've got to temper my pride and elation with a bit of homespun truth. Great as it was our last day win only highlighted the issues, as it shows that twelve of our forty one points came from Manchester United and Arsenal but only two came from woeful Fulham and one from prize relegation certainties Watford – and let's not forget the Hornets beat us at home in the FA Cup just a week prior to that, before going on a run of their own to the semi-final. I know things like this were going on when my Granddad was a regular in the Chicken Run but, really, it's got to stop.
If my feeling that Eggy has somehow turned around the club in more than finance, leadership and passion, then I hope that 2007 will see an end to these type of seasons. I'm not asking for Champions League places every year (yet!) All I'm suggesting is that a club like West Ham should only struggle in the same way Spurs or Everton occasionally do and without getting into life and death relegation issues every three years.
But, let's give ourselves a break eh? There's plenty of time to point fingers and weed out individuals. Let's enjoy the result of a run of form that people will talk about for many a long day – "Remember West Ham did it in 2007" they will say – and look forward to what we have. Because this is no last day West Brom type survival. With a fully fit Ashton, real strength in depth in defence, a decent right-back at last (how many years have WHU tried to play without one?), big money in the bank and realistic transfer targets, we can really push on from here.
So, just for a while, I'm prepared to forget the Reading debacle and consign to the dustbin of my mind the truly awful run over Christmas and New Year and congratulate the players, Manager and coaching staff for getting out of the hole they – or possibly their predecessors – dug. The Biggest congratulation at the death though has to go to the fans, you and I, one and all, for the astonishing support that has been given in what has been a traumatic season. It's been said often but the club really doesn't deserve it.
Final word must go though to the bloke who has emailed me every week with the same message: 'West Ham are staying up – FACT!' I hope he had money on it and got full recompense for the faith that I, I'll admit in shame, never had.
I salute you, Sir!
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Talent of Tevez lifts West Ham to safety - Telegraph
By Henry Winter
Last Updated: 3:48am BST 14/05/2007
Manchester United (0) 0 West Ham United (1) 1
When the history of Carlos Tevez's season at West Ham United is written, it will be a tale of lies, damned lies and the remarkable statistics of a little Argentinian with a big heart who struck seven times in 10 games to orchestrate the great escape.
It had to be Tevez who scored yesterday. It had to be Tevez seizing the headlines again. Whatever the myriad of wrongs of his transfer, and the Premier League's supine response to West Ham's duplicity, one has to admire Tevez's strength of character - and the team's.
Ten weeks ago, Alan Curbishley's side were 10 points adrift of safety. Yesterday, thanks to a goal from Tevez that embodied his touch and determination, the East Londoners finished 15th. They could have suffered a two-point deduction, instead of the £5.5 million fine for lying over Tevez, and still survived.
Tevez was magnificent. He ran himself into Old Trafford's sodden soil, chasing every loose ball, hounding any United defender who dawdled in possession. When he picked up a knock colliding with Gabriel Heinze, Tevez kept going, knowing how much his team-mates relied on him.
He even collected a booking, highly appropriately as paperwork has followed him around this season. But no wonder West Ham wanted Tevez's signature. His skill was mesmerising at times, drawing thunderous applause from the passionate away following as he back-heeled the ball around Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney in swift succession. Magical.
Yet only when Tevez scored seconds before the break, and when Robert Green showed such impressive reflexes in goal, did West Ham's support begin to relax. Some of their claret-and-blue number had turned up dressed as super-heroes, but the real Boy's Own pin-up was wearing the No 32 shirt.
When Tevez departed the field with eight minutes remaining, earning a rapturous salute from fans and directors, United supporters taunted the visitors with "you'll never see him again''. How sad that would be. He belongs at Upton Park.
The Premier League, and their chief executive Richard Scudamore, would probably wish West Ham had never seen him in the first place. Whoever organised Scudamore's place on the seating plan in the Old Trafford directors' box certainly has a wicked sense of humour.
When Scudamore spotted Kia Joorabchian, the mysterious man who brought Tevez to England, was sitting behind him at Old Trafford, he shifted places. Scudamore eventually left his chairman, Dave Richards, to take the seat in front of Joorabchian.
How the Tevez affair now unfolds depends on the resolve of Kevin McCabe, the chairman of relegated Sheffield United and hitherto the driving force behind the Gang of Four's revolt against the Premier League. Scudamore even visited McCabe on Saturday to try to take some heat out of the controversy.
Peace? Time will tell. The tension intensified yesterday. In the morning, Scudamore had his gardening interrupted by a call about a radio interview McCabe had given claiming that the Premier League "briefed'' the independent commission into the Tevez affair. The intimation was clear: the Premier League had wanted a fine, not a points deduction. Scudamore quickly issued a denial, disputing McCabe's accusation. Their next conversation could be interesting.
If the Premier League's integrity has been damaged recently, the honesty of their competition certainly could not have been questioned yesterday. McCabe and everyone at Bramall Lane should know that Manchester United gave everything. With one eye on the FA Cup final, the champions may have been half-strength, with Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes on the bench for almost an hour, but they were never half-hearted. Rooney was everywhere, seeing a strike blocked by James Collins, and then rolling a shot just wide.
Prompted by Rooney, United kept pouring forward. Heinze bent a free-kick into the wall. Yossi Benayoun twice prevented goals for Alan Smith and Kieran Richardson. And when West Ham did venture forward, Patrice Evra and Alan Smith threw themselves into tackles.
Even with Tevez sparkling, West Ham were nervy, their mood darkening when news filtered through of Paul Scharner's goal at Bramall Lane. "Going down,'' chanted the United fans. "West Ham till I die'' retorted the visitors, their voices and faces contorted with emotions. When the radio carried an update, about Jon Stead's equaliser, hope flowed through West Ham supporters, their cheers transmitting belief to the players.
Now untroubled by news of Wigan's second, West Ham's fans exuded belief, decrying the spells of silence with taunts of "Champions - and you still won't sing''.
And then came the man who launched a thousand headlines. The plot demanded it be Tevez. When Green hoofed the ball long, Tevez played a one-two with Bobby Zamora before shooting from right to left past Edwin van der Sar.
The Stretford End was enraged. As the teams emerged for the second half, United fans demanded: "Send them down'', soon adding: "Attack, attack, attack.'' Ferguson responded, bringing on Ronaldo, Giggs and Scholes. Each dexterous talent showed his class, but West Ham stood firm.
When Lucas Neill slid in to beat Ronaldo to the ball, their chairman Eggert Magnusson was out of his seat, clapping wildly. When United threatened during added time, Magnusson kept blowing an imaginary whistle. As the final whistle confirmed survival, Curbishley and his players ran to hug Tevez. How long the goalscoring, controversy-bringing Tevez stays in West Ham's embrace remains to be seen.
•Man of the match: Robert Green (West Ham)
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Oliver Brown takes a looks at landmarks in this season's classic relegation battle - Telegraph
By Oliver Brown
Last Updated: 2:57am BST 14/05/2007
1 Charlton appoint Les Reed
As he emerged blinking into the full glare of Premiership management, few gave Reed, previously Kevin Keegan's 'tactics man' with England, much hope. Neither, ultimately, did the Charlton board, who having appointed Reed on Nov 14, jettisoned him on Christmas Eve after a run of six defeats in eight. It was the classic case of a natural No 2 coming up far short in the No 1's role although the sense of farce that clouded Reed's tenure produced some darkly comic moments, notably when the club programme printed the manager's Churchillian call to arms three days after he had been sacked.
2 Wigan's '£50 million' game
In a fit of post-match pique, Paul Jewell claimed referee Phil Dowd's failure to uphold a strong penalty claim for Wigan at Arsenal on Feb 11 could cost his side "about £50 million". Always bracingly honest, Jewell did not foresee the resonance of that remark. 'Second-season syndrome' tends to be the malaise identified in a newly-promoted club, but the very term implies a gradual breakdown in results rather than a sudden spiral in confidence. In Wigan's case, form suffered almost as dramatically as their manager's moods after the Emirates episode.
3 Agony for West Ham
In the game of the season, at Upton Park on March 4, Alan Curbishley was seen to kick a water bottle from West Ham's dugout when Spurs snatched a late equaliser. After Paul Stalteri added a cruel, 94th-minute winner, the manager must have felt like hitting the bottle. The club were in freefall, from which Anton Ferdinand escaped with a few days' mayhem in South Carolina. But Curbishley restored order amid the chaos. Suddenly a team humiliated by Reading beat Arsenal, and the most tangled sub-plot in the relegation saga was renewed.
4 Rob Hulse breaks leg
Not exactly a well-oiled goals machine, Sheffield United were wounded badly by striker Hulse's horrific injury on March 17. Neil Warnock, more accustomed to blaming referees for his side's misfortunes, had compelling evidence to offer in their defence while Christian Nade may have been a willing deputy for Hulse, he was hardly a name to make the club's rivals too fretful. Edgy defeats to Bolton and Newcastle proved the point. Against this backdrop it was hardly surprising that Warnock celebrated victory over Watford with a manic jig that made Sir Alex Ferguson look like John Travolta.
5 Fulham fire Chris Coleman
Tranquility by the Thames? Forget it. Fulham's facade as a cosy, tight-knit club was shattered when chairman Mohamed Fayed sacked Coleman on April 10, at the first rumblings of supporter unrest. Defeat to Manchester City meant the likeable Welshman, who had steered Fulham to Premiership survival four times before, was gone. Seeing how one win over Liverpool sealed the future of his successor, Lawrie Sanchez, Coleman could claim the situation was retrievable. But change at the top shocked the club into arresting their decline.
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Whelan wages fight for justice - Telegraph
By Mark Ogden
Last Updated: 3:48am BST 14/05/2007
West Ham United's celebrations at avoiding relegation from the Premiership may prove short-lived with the Wigan Athletic chairman, Dave Whelan, insisting that the 'Gang of Four' clubs most affected by the Premier League's decision not to dock the Hammers points for fielding the ineligible Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano remain committed to a legal challenge. Tevez, the player at the heart of the controversy, played the final act in West Ham's great escape by scoring the winner in yesterday's 1-0 victory at Manchester United - a remarkable seventh win in nine games for Alan Curbishley's team. However, despite seeing his team avoid relegation with a 2-1 victory at Bramall Lane, that sent the South Yorkshire club into the Championship, Whelan claimed that he will continue to support a fight for 'justice' on behalf of both the Sheffield club and Charlton Athletic against last month's punishment - a £5.5 million fine but no points deduction - for the Upton Park club. Whelan said: "I don't think justice has been done. I wanted us to win and stay up, so I am happy about that, but for West Ham to stay up is not justice. It was a great win for them (at Manchester United), but for Sheffield United to go down isn't fair and justice hasn't been done. "I have told the Sheffield United chairman that we are still solidly behind them and Charlton in their quest for justice. We have set off on the road to justice and we will not come off that road until we get it. "West Ham should have points deducted and not be allowed to play next season in the Premier League. We have had legal advice that tells us that we have a good, strong case, but it has to be done quickly. I saw the Sheffield United chairman and told him to get stuck into them quickly and that we are with them."
Neil Warnock, the Sheffield United manager, admitted that any legal bid against West Ham's punishment does not lie in his hands. He said: "That's for the directors and the boards of the clubs involved. We were disappointed with the timing and result of the West Ham hearing and nobody can understand why no points were deducted."
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Jewell and Curbishley deserve all accolades - Telegraph
By Alan Hansen
Last Updated: 3:48am BST 14/05/2007
When Paul Jewell was asked if he had enjoyed the day, he replied: "How can you enjoy that?" The last 20 minutes at Bramall Lane were hard enough to watch for the neutral, let alone anyone involved with either Sheffield United or Wigan. The two teams that survived did so because their managers transformed sides that appeared doomed - Alan Curbishley did it over several weeks, Paul Jewell managed it for a single game. Watching Wigan over the last few weeks, I thought that if they came across one of the big four they could easily lose 8-0. When they lost at home to Middlesbrough last week, they looked weak at the back, ineffectual going forward and with no clear idea of how to save themselves. For having the ability to lift this side in the space of eight days, Jewell deserves every accolade going.
It was an astonishing day, but going into it Wigan had one advantage - they knew that nothing less than a win would do. Sheffield United could stay up with a draw or they could survive if Manchester United won at Old Trafford, as everybody expected. You could see it in Wigan's body language from the moment the match began: this was not the team that had stumbled through the last few weeks not knowing where the next result was going to come from, and nowhere was this more noticeable than in Emile Heskey's performance. Heskey can be two completely different players. He can be the frustrating centre-forward who is knocked off the ball too cheaply, who goes down too easily and spends a game feeling sorry for himself. Or he can be the magnificent player he was at Bramall Lane yesterday: playing like a man possessed, full of heart and vigour. And this was all done despite playing for much of the game with a head injury.
Whatever the rights and wrongs of the Carlos Tevez affair, whatever the rights and wrongs of fielding weakened sides - and this is something that has gone on for years in the Premiership - Curbishley, like Jewell, deserves immense credit. West Ham, like Wigan, were a side that appeared absolutely gone and yet they have survived in the teeth of the fiercest controversy.
The signing of Tevez, however badly done, did not relegate Sheffield United, nor was it the fact that Manchester United fielded a weakened team at Old Trafford; it was the fact that West Ham, completely against the odds, won seven of their final nine matches.
At Sheffield United, Neil Warnock might have wanted a regulation that would force a club to field its strongest side, but it would prove impossible to police. Who is to judge what "the strongest side" represents? Ultimately, every manager has to what is best for his own club and Sir Alex Ferguson has, at all times, acted only in the best interest of Manchester United. You simply have to look at some of West Ham's performances to judge the scale of Curbishley's achievement. Their record against the teams around them was abject and Sheffield United must have felt safer with each game that passed.
When I watched them lose 4-0 at Charlton they seemed as bad a team as I have seen in the Premiership. This was the team that had lost 6-0 at Reading, this was the side that had lost at home to Watford - which was the result that must have convinced everybody at Upton Park they would be relegated - finally playing with togetherness and commitment. In the last few weeks of the season West Ham looked like the side that had gone to Cardiff and deserved to beat Liverpool in last year's FA Cup final.
Sometimes it takes a team to be unlucky once to be relegated; Sheffield United have been unlucky on a number of different counts and this will be a devastating blow to recover from as they contemplate life outside the Premiership. If the three teams that have gone down were to be put back in the top flight, I would fancy Charlton to make the greatest impact, especially if they can keep hold of Darren Bent. However, everything suggests he will be sold this summer. Looking at how the three will fare in the Championship, you would have to say Watford and Sheffield United, with their team spirit, have the best prospects. The Premiership may be a division decided by skill and money, but fighting qualities are what decide life in the Championship.
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Tevez delivers final twist - BBC
By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer
Carlos Tevez has cast a giant shadow over the fight for Premiership survival - so it was inevitable West Ham's gifted Argentine would provide the final twist in a dramatic tale. Tevez's very presence in West Ham's side means the relegation battle could yet go into extra time after his goal at Manchester United capped a remarkable rush to safety by Alan Curbishley's side.
Wigan, Charlton, Fulham and relegated Sheffield United are threatening a court battle with the Premiership over their failure to dock the Hammers points after they were found guilty of offences relating to Tevez's transfer. The fact that it was a strike from Tevez - plus a penalty from Wigan's Sheffield United old boy David Unsworth - which sent the Blades back into the Championship after only one season in the top flight only added a dash of irony to the last-day drama. And it means the sense of injustice felt by those four clubs at the bottom will only increase once the tears and champagne have been forgotten. Wigan started the day as favourites for the drop, but manager Paul Jewell is an expert at engineering a last-day survival and he won the war of nerves again. It may not have been pretty at Bramall Lane, but Jewell will not care as Wigan arrested a desperate slide in form to send the Blades down. Wigan benefitted from the fact their mission was clear. Only a win would do. Sheffield United had more options to choose from and ended with the worst of all. Jewell was at Bradford when a win against Liverpool on the Premiership's final day ensured survival in 2000 - and he clearly remembered his rallying speech as his Wigan side battled as if their lives, not just top-flight status, depended on it. Wigan attacked to gain a half-time lead and survived a bombardment to retain it after the break in a frantic Bramall Lane atmosphere.
Jewell celebrated alongside chairman Dave Whelan at the final whistle, but will need to do much work in the summer to ensure he is not back on the same territory this time next season.
It was a bitter moment for Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock, whose club had looked safe for so long only to be dragged into what was ultimately a losing battle.
Warnock lashed out in several directions, taking aim at familiar targets such as referees, as well as managerial counterparts Sir Alex Ferguson and Rafael Benitez for fielding weakened teams in recent weeks.
It was the result of understandable disappointment, although there was an acceptance that the Blades had been caught short by a lack of quality, not just the Premier League's perceived generosity towards West Ham. In reality, however, Warnock should not be pointing fingers at Ferguson and Benitez when all his own team had to do was draw at home to struggling Wigan on the final day of the season to stay up. Warnock declined to speak about his own future after the game, wisely given the acute sense of despair he would have been feeling. But it may be that Warnock will regard it as too late in his career to stay at Sheffield United and attempt to plan another path back to the Premiership. As for West Ham, a remarkable season ended in remarkable circumstances - and may yet have a last turn if their relegation rivals have their say and demand further action on the controversial Tevez and Javier Mascherano deals. Make no mistake, West Ham would have gone down without Tevez and Sheffield United will lead the group of clubs demanding to examine the fine detail of his registration.
But away from the red tape, Curbishley deserves huge credit for turning around what looked a hopeless situation. He has had to cope with a relegation fight, a seemingly divided squad, injuries to his main signings and a welter of off-field problems to pull the Hammers around and keep them in the Premiership. Inspired by the brilliance of Tevez, he has been able to piece together a superb end of season run, capped with a win at champions Manchester United to seal an unlikely escape. West Ham will not be able to start the full-scale celebrations until the protests of the so-called "Gang of Four" have been heard. But in a season of unpredictability at West Ham, it maybe was predictable that the mercurial Tevez would pen the last chapter.
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Survival eclipses legal worries - Telegraph
By Ian Whittell
Last Updated: 3:58am BST 14/05/2007
The Carlos Tevez affair looks certain to rumble on but the prospect of possible legal challenges could not ruin the day for West Ham manager Alan Curbishley, after one of the most remarkable acts of escapology in the league's history.
""We pulled off an amazing escape," said Curbishley, after Tevez's goal secured a decisive 1-0 victory. "To win seven out of our last nine, considering the opposition we've played, is incredible. A few months ago I had fans shouting 'four letter word' off back to Charlton at me because they couldn't work out what had happened to their club.
"All the things that went on were before I got there in December. The Premier League had their inquiry, they gave their verdict and we have got on with it. We have been public enemy No 1 and that has been ramped up a bit this week. Now it is over. The Premier League say it's over and I've got to look forward to next year."
Whether the Tevez affair is over remains to be seen, with even survivors Wigan talking about the injustice of West Ham's escape, although Curbishley countered: "First of all, I don't think there will be an overturning of the decision and, secondly, as has been the case since I've been at the club, it's out of my hands."
Sheffield United, who eventually filled the third relegation position, will have further grounds for dissatisfaction when they examine the starting line-up fielded by Sir Alex Ferguson, who had vowed to put out his strongest possible team in fairness to the clubs at the bottom of the table. Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nemanja Vidic all watched the opening hour from the bench, before the first three of those regulars were thrown into the action. "I know Neil Warnock will be disappointed," said Ferguson.
"But once he sees the stats of how much we dominated, he will understand we were unlucky. You have to remember, the release of having won the league does affect them at times. "West Ham were the team coming into this game with the best form and they couldn't have come to Old Trafford on a better day, with us having won the league when the edge is off our game a little bit. We did our best – we had 25 strikes at goal – but West Ham were resilient, credit them. I do feel for Sheffield United, though."
Those sympathies were not evident as United celebrated their ninth Premiership title after a campaign which leaves Ferguson relishing challenges to come. "My experience, when we won the league in 1993, was that it opened the door for us," said Ferguson. "We won the double, won the title the next year and absolutely slaughtered the league. The players know what it is all about now, so let's get on with it! I'm looking forward to next year and this team developing."
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Why we May Have to Thank Charlton… - West Ham Till I Die
May 13th, 2007
THIS blog post on Charlton Life may well be of massive importance to West Ham. It basically says there is a legal precedent set by Charlton which could prevent legal action being taken against West Ham. It's quite complicated and quite long, but in law precedent is everything.
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Support grows for legal challenge - TeamTalk
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan claims Middlesbrough have joined the 'Gang of Four' as a legal challenge to West Ham's survival looks more likely. Sheffield United were relegated from the Premier League on goal difference but the perceived injustice of the Hammers' record £5.5million fine instead of a points deduction for irregularities over the signings of Argentinians Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano is starting to rankle. Whelan has given his full support to any legal challenge to the decision made by the Premier League's independent commission and said his club, the Blades, Charlton and Fulham had been joined in their fight by Middlesbrough. Reports on Monday morning also suggest at least another two unnamed top-flight clubs are ready to join the movement. "Charlton, Sheff United, Wigan, Fulham and Middlesbrough are all determined that we should get justice and West Ham should have been deducted points," said Whelan, whose club survived at the expense of the Blades after winning 2-1 at Bramall Lane on Sunday. "It has to be done quickly because the longer this goes on the less likelihood of the league reviewing it at all. "We are going to fight and support them and we will fight with them to the end."
United's plc chairman Kevin McCabe also told Radio Four's Today programme he believed the groundswell of opinion was behind them. "I think most of the Premier League clubs and other football clubs support us over this injustice that has come about this season," he said. "Four years ago the Blades had just lost in the [Championship] play-off final and I felt gutted. This time I feel cheated. "I think there is a consensus most clubs support an injustice so I hope we will get the vast majority of clubs in the Premier League supporting our case."
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Happy Tever after - The Sun
By JANINE SELF
May 14, 2007
CARLOS TEVEZ was West Ham's hero as they stayed up in a storm of controversy. Tevez's strike gave the Hammers a 1-0 win at Manchester United as Sheffield United were condemned to the drop. The Blades crashed 2-1 at home to Paul Jewell's Wigan and tumble back down on goal difference. Bramall Lane chief Neil Warnock went through the trapdoor blasting Old Trafford boss Alex Ferguson for fielding a weakened team. Warnock fumed: "It's a gut-wrenching feeling. I feel terrible. I can't really describe it. "I also feel bitter, considering the circumstances over the last few weeks. "I was disappointed with Sir Alex. I thought he might have played Ronaldo and one or two more — but he sold me a dummy during the week. But what goes around comes around and fate is fate."
Warnock also took a pop at Liverpool for fielding the stiffs against Fulham last week, adding: "Maybe Chelsea will win the FA Cup and AC Milan will win the Champions League." Fergie hit back, insisting: "I think I played the right team — players who would relish the challenge and needed the game. "When Neil sees the statistics from the game he will realise we were unlucky."
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan vowed to keep backing the legal action against the Premier League over the Tevez affair. Sheffield, Charlton, Fulham and Wigan are determined to challenge the decision not to deduct points from West Ham for fielding the ineligible player. Whelan said: "We're solidly behind Sheffield and Charlton in this quest for justice. "West Ham should have points deducted and not be allowed in the Premiership next season. "I said to the chairman of Sheffield United, 'get stuck into them quickly and we'll be right behind you'. "I'm happy we stayed up but I wanted Sheffield to stay up too. It isn't justice." Warnock added: "It's very hard to swallow, going down by one goal on goal difference. "There have been other things in recent weeks. Refs' decisions, Liverpool's team at Fulham, because Rafa Benitez couldn't give two hoots about Sheffield United. "Tevez will be off now too. "But I don't think there will be much of a hoo-ha now.
"Sheffield United are down. West Ham are a big club with a big reputation and they've got good solicitors."
Delighted Upton Park boss Curbs said: "We have pulled off an amazing escape. It shows what belief is in the club." And Hammers chairman Eggert Magnusson said: "I think it is right that football matters are decided on the pitch. This is a wonderful moment for a great club."
j.self@the-sun.co.uk
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Man United 0 West Ham 1 - The Sun
By NEIL CUSTIS
May 14, 2007
THE joy was unbridled at Old Trafford. The Premiership was in their hands. For Manchester United it was the Premier League trophy — in West Ham's it was their top-flight status. Rarely have both teams on one pitch had quite so much to celebrate at the final whistle. For the Reds, a ninth Premiership and 16th title in all. For those the Hammers, it was the completion of the Great Escape. At one point they had as much chance as Steve McQueen did of leaping that barbed wire fence. But by 5pm yesterday they had tunnelled free of the Championship's clutches and beyond the searchlights. An incredible seven wins in their last nine games brought the Hammers safety. They needed a point to be sure and ended up getting all three. In so doing, they became the only club, alongside Arsenal, this season to do the double over the Reds. But this story may not be over yet. Yesterday it was once again Carlos Tevez who made the difference.
West Ham were fined £5.5million because Tevez's transfer to Upton Park breached Premier League rules. The 'Gang of Four' including Wigan, Sheffield United, Fulham and Charlton believe they should have been docked points. The law courts could yet decide if West Ham's celebrations yesterday were premature. Quite simply Tevez has saved the Hammers almost single handedly, effectively earning them 12 points on his own. On March 17 his penalty at Blackburn helped secure victory. He created one and scored the other as they beat Middlesbrough 2-0 on March 31. Tevez then scored twice in the 3-1 home win over Bolton last weekend. Yesterday in first-half injury-time he was at it again. The Hammers had performed mainly a rearguard action throughout the first period until they landed their timely lifeline. Indeed, it needed Yossi Benayoun to keep their clean sheet. He headed an Alan Smith shot off the line and was there to block Kieran Richardson's follow-up too. John O'Shea also saw a header tipped over by Robert Green just before the Hammers stole the lead. A long ball was headed on by Bobby Zamora to Tevez, who then played a one-two with the same player. Tevez crashed through a weak challenge by Wes Brown and despatched a half-volley through Edwin van der Sar's legs. The visiting bench leapt with joy, as did Hammers chairman Eggert Magnusson. How many times this season have we seen pictures of him slumped, head down, in his seat at Upton Park? This was quite some contrast. Sitting not too far away was Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore and, behind him, Tevez's 'owner' Kia Joorabchian. Goodness knows what they were both thinking. News that Wigan had landed a half-time lead at Bramall Lane might have temporarily dimmed the enthusiasm of the travelling Hammers contingent. But as the clock ticked down, the volume rose from the pocket of 3,500 who had made the journey north. Sheffield United might question whether the champions had fielded their strongest available team as boss Alex Ferguson hinted they would. Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes all started on the bench. Before kick-off Ronaldo received his Barclays Player of the Season award to go with countless others he has picked up this campaign. Ferguson himself rightly picked up his for being top manager and Ryan Giggs a merit award for a record ninth title. Victory at rivals City last week, coupled with Chelsea's draw at Arsenal, had brought the title back to Old Trafford for the first time in four years. A banner in the Stretford End read 'Form is temporary, class is permanent'. There is little doubting this title glory has had class written all over it. The most wins, the most goals, the most entertainment. The prize has been richly deserved. It is not finished yet. The Reds still have the small matter of an FA Cup final showdown against Chelsea at the new Wembley next weekend. That and the chance to clinch a fourth Double. That will be why the intensity was simply lost from their game yesterday and the best players from their team. Ferguson had relied on his starting 11 to do the job. In fairness to him, with just over an hour left and at 1-0 down, he did send on Ronaldo, Scholes and Giggs. United then decamped into the Hammers box but Alan Curbishley's side held firm with desperate defending. There was also a stunning save from Green, foiling a downward header from Ronaldo with 15 minutes to go. John O'Shea had a good shout for a penalty turned down when Luis Boa Morte brought him down.
In the end the Hammers finished the season like the side who had ended the last one when they finished ninth in the league and lost the FA Cup final to Liverpool. There was also the small matter of Tevez. He has apparently given up his English lessons. But what this result meant to the West Ham players and fans was clear in anybody's language.
n.custis@the-sun.co.uk
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Al takes swipe at moaners - the Sun
By NEIL CUSTIS
May 14, 2007
ALAN CURBISHLEY has told West Ham's critics to stop moaning and give them some credit. Victory over Manchester United was West Ham's seventh win in nine games, completing a Premiership great escape. But the Hammers are still under fire for having broken Premiership rules in signing yesterday's hero Carlos Tevez. Curbishley said: "We have been public enemy No 1 but we have got on with it, kept our own counsel and won seven games out of nine. "The Premier League dealt with the situation and I do not think the ruling will be changed. "We concentrated on playing, perhaps others concentrated on the other side too much." United boss Alex Ferguson said: "We had won the league and the edge was off our game a little bit but we did our best and I don't think people can criticise us." Ryan Giggs, celebrating his record ninth title, said: "The football we have played this season has been brilliant and I am really pleased for the team and the fans."
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Third party ire and theft as Tevez steals Fergie's thunder - This Is London
13.05.07
Even if Sheffield United's lawyers welcome the information, those they are about to represent will struggle to stomach what happened here at Old Trafford. A winning goal from Carlos Tevez. The sight of Richard Scudamore sitting directly in front of the West Ham striker's agent. The sight of the same agent hugging the West Ham chairman at the end. Very much a case of party time for the most infamous third party' in football. Scudamore had the good sense to change seats at half-time but the angry minority will be unimpressed when they hear how close the Premier League's chief executive was to Kia Joorabchian, when they hear the way Joorabchian and Eggert Magnusson then embraced. Cue more cries of conspiracy, cue more outrage among the members of the so-called Gang of Four'. Cue a mischievous chuckle in the Old Trafford ticket office. Finding himself sitting beside Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe at Bramall Lane amounted to Scudamore's worst nightmare but the events of this match would have run it a close second. If Scudamore looked nervous when a significantly under-strength Manchester United side first emerged from the tunnel, he must have been the most uncomfortable man in the ground moments before the end of the first half. A seventh goal in 10 matches for a player McCabe's legal team will argue should not have even be playing was the last thing he needed. Ferguson's decision to rest so many key players ahead of Saturday's FA Cup Final is unlikely to please members of the Bramall Lane hierarchy, either. Rio Ferdinand was nowhere to be seen, Cristiano Ronaldo was on the bench and so were Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nemanja Vidic. "What goes around comes around," seethed Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock. In fairness to the newly crowned champions, those players selected reate more than enough opportunities to send West Ham down. And Warnock need only watch the footage of Wayne Rooney racing back to tackle Tevez in the first half to convince himself of United's commitment. Anyone who witnessed the opening 45 minutes will struggle to comprehend how Alan Curbishley's side secured a seventh win in nine Premier League matches and how he condemned Sir Alex Ferguson's Double-chasers to their first home defeat since losing to Arsenal in September. When Tevez then scored in first-half stoppage time, Ferguson responded as Warnock would have wanted. A triple substitution in the 58th minute that released Ronaldo, Giggs and Scholes from the bench. As well as Tevez, who took his goal splendidly, Curbishley had Robert Green to thank for a remarkable victory. Outstanding in that recent win at Arsenal, Green excelled again with a string of terrific saves. England's No 1,' cried the visiting fans and with some justification. Both sides had a decent shout for penalty. West Ham in the first half when Wes Brown appeared to block shot from Tevez with his hand. United in the second when Luis Boa Morte took John O'Shea's legs. Replays of that will not endear referee Martin Atkinson to the Bramall Lane faithful. Big night nerves got to Curbishley's players, news of Wigan's opening goal only adding to the sense of anxiety. Going down, going down,' sang United's unsympathetic fans who recalled Upton Park in 1995. United attacked without the burden of such pressure and attacked with conviction. Rooney should have scored but hesitated, Alan Smith had a chance and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sent a closerange effort over the bar. Smith and Gabriel Heinze then had two shots cleared off the line and when news filtered through of Sheffield United's equaliser, West Ham's fans convinced themselves that good fortune was with them. "We are staying up," they cried.
Green's save to deny O'Shea gave them further cause for optimism, but nothing like as much as the moment that followed. Tevez is unlikely to appear in a West Ham shirt again but the goal he scored yesterday will never be forgotten. A clever one-two with Bobby Zamora, a tackle from Brown that sent the ball spinning into the air and the half-volley the brilliant little Argentine forward then guided past goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar. The technique was superb, the timing inspirational. If there was a sense of inevitability about the scorer, the goal nevertheless remained unexpected. Until they took the lead, Curbishley's side were distinctly second best. Mindful of the fact that the presentation of the Premier League Trophy would come soon after the final whistle, Ferguson tried to avoid defeat. But mindful of the fact that their date with Chelsea at the new Wembley is only six days away, Ronaldo, Giggs and Scholes did not seem that keen to add another point to their winning total. "No injuries," declared the delighted Ferguson. Green had to produce another fine save to deny Ronaldo but West Ham crossed the finish line with ease and celebrated in a state of ecstasy. Curbishley has rarely looked more animated, hugging his No 2, Mervyn Day, shaking his fists above his head, embracing his players. The Tevez controversy mattered not. He was hired to guide them clear of relegation danger, had a 10-point deficit to overcome only 10 weeks ago and somehow succeeded. The legal battle, Curbishley will argue, is for others. He has done his job and so, more controversially, has Tevez.
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CURBS: I'M SO PROUD - The Mirror
Man Utd 0-1 West Ham
By David Mcdonnell 14/05/2007
ALAN CURBISHLEY dismissed the controversy surrounding West Ham's Premiership season to savour one of the greatest-ever relegation escapes. Hammers boss Curbishley praised his players for their remarkable fightback which saw them win seven of their last nine games - culminating in yesterday's 1-0 win at Manchester United - to keep their top-flight status. West Ham's great escape is likely to be overshadowed in the coming weeks as the Gang Of Four - Sheffield United, Wigan, Fulham and Charlton - take legal action over the Premier League's refusal to dock them points in the wake of the Carlos Tevez affair. But Curbishley refused to allow the controversy to spoil West Ham's achievement in staying up and instead paid tribute to his players for staging such an extraordinary comeback. "This is a fantastic achievement for this club," said delighted boss Curbishley. "To stay up by winning seven of our last nine games is a remarkable effort and I'm so proud of the players. "The consensus was that United would beat us and everything would be decided at Bramall Lane. But we came here and beat United and managed to pull off an amazing escape. "I came to this club in Decemeber and things had gone on before I arrived. But the Premier League have had their inquiry, they've given their verdict, and we've just got on with things."
Curbishley singled out match-winner Tevez, the player at the centre of the controversy, for his heroic haul of seven goals in 10 games which almost single-handedly ensured West Ham's survival. "Tevez has been a hero for us," said Curbishley. "There's no question about that. But there have been so many heroes for us all over the pitch in these last few weeks of the season.
"People kept telling me that things would pick up for us if we could get a few positive results, and we just managed to keep it going at a crucial stage of the season."
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Slow-burn Tevez is West Ham's saviour - Reuters
Mon May 14, 2007 3:47AM BST
LONDON (Reuters) - Carlos Tevez took a long time to make his mark on football but he ended the season as one of its key figures as his goals saved West Ham United from relegation and his transfer sparked threats of legal action. The Argentine striker arrived, along with compatriot Javier Mascherano, fresh from an impressive World Cup. However, he failed to find the net in his first 19 matches for his new club where neither of the new men proved popular with former manager Alan Pardew. Things eventually turned round, however, as his seven goals in the last 10 games just about coincided with West Ham's remarkable recovery from 10 points adrift to survival on the last day. He signed off in style with an expertly-taken goal to beat new champions Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday to keep West Ham up and relegate Sheffield United, who lost 2-1 at home to Wigan Athletic. The chunky forward was an overwhelming choice as the West Ham fans' player of the year and though new boss Alan Curbishley is keen to spread the plaudits there is no doubt that it is Tevez who saved the east London club from the drop.
The irony is, however, that it is also the Argentine who is at the centre of a row over his transfer. His move, and that of Mascherano, now at Liverpool, led to a record 5.5 million pounds fine for the club last month for breaching Premier League ownership rules. But other clubs in the relegation dogfight were furious that no points were deducted and complained to the league. There has been talk of possible legal action but, with those who survived likely to lose the stomach for a costly and probably fruitless court battle, West Ham can probably celebrate in safety.
I came in December and things went on before I got here," Curbishley told the club's Web site on Sunday. "The Premier League had their enquiry, they gave their verdict and we got on with it. We've been public enemy number one lately but we've got on with it, kept our counsel, and it's over. "It seems ever since I've been at the club we've had negative press but it seems as if the Tevez and Mascherano affair was like a bandwagon." Icelandic owner Eggert Magnusson was also confident that his side would be playing at the highest level again in August. "We can look ahead to moving forward as a club and building on what we have achieved this season," he said. "Of course I feel sympathy for the clubs no longer in the Premiership but in the end I believe it is right that football matters be decided on the pitch."
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West Ham chairman: It's down to Curbishley
tribalfooball.com - May 13, 2007
West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson heaped praise on Alan Curbishley over their Great Escape yesterday. After leading an £85million buyout of West Ham last year, Magnusson can now start planning for the future free from the financial catastrophe that would have accompanied a swift return to the Championship. He is due to meet manager Alan Curbishley on Wednesday to thrash out the Hammers' recruitment plans and has nothing but praise for the way the former Charlton boss has guided the club to safety on the back of seven wins from their last nine games.
"To have won seven games out of nine is a genuine achievement and should not be forgotten as people reflect on the Premiership season," he said. "I pay tribute to Alan Curbishley, who has provided real leadership since he took over as manager, to the players for the way they have performed in recent months, to all the staff and to West Ham's amazing fans. "We have shown this is a club with a great fighting spirit and a group of players who know how to win. "This is a wonderful moment and I feel so much joy and pride. "Now we can look ahead to moving forward as a club and building on what we have achieved this season."
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West Ham to bid for Southampton's Saganowski
tribalfooball.com - May 13, 2007
West Ham United are eyeing Southampton striker Marek Saganowski. The red-hot Polish striker is only on-loan at Saints from French club Troyes and is wanted by both the Hammers and Watford
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Colchester keeper Gerken in West Ham sights
tribalfooball.com - May 13, 2007
West Ham United are preparing a move for Colchester keeper Dean Gerken. With Roy Carroll's future at Upton Park in doubt, West Ham need cover for first choice Robert Green. And Southend-born Gerken, 22 later this month, is high on their wanted list.
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West Ham hero Tevez slams Pardew
tribalfooball.com - May 13, 2007
West Ham ace Carlos Tevez has blasted Alan Pardew over the way he handled he and fellow Argie Javier Mascherano earlier this season. Tevez credits Pardew's replacement, Alan Curbishley, for his stunning form and told the People: "The old trainer did not have any confidence in me or in Mascherano and that was very detrimental to the team. "At least a change was made on the bench and all of us have been able to get back on the right road towards saving ourselves. "With Curbishley I understand better. At least you can talk with him. With Pardew other opinions were not allowed." He also said: "People talk about Chelsea and Liverpool wanting me but I have not spoken with any of these clubs. "If it was just down to me I would stay in West Ham but at the end of the season there will be a meeting and we will see what happens. "In the winter transfer window I was one step away from leaving the club but that would have been a personal failure and Tevez is a winner not a failure. "The fans have been massive. The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end when I hear my name being sung. "I did not expect that when I arrived and even less so after the way things went in the first few months."
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Real Madrid to trump Chelsea for £25M Tevez
tribalfooball.com - May 13, 2007
Real Madrid are set to trump Chelsea for West Ham star Carlos Tevez. The Sunday Mirror says Real and Chelsea have tabled bids in excess of �20m for the 23-year-old Argentina international who has endured a controversial time in England. Chelsea made a shock move to sign Tevez last Thursday but the player prefers to move to a Spanish-speaking country.
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West Ham chairman to offer Tevez £6M-a-year to stay
tribalfooball.com - May 13, 2007
West Ham United chairman Eggert Magnusson is willing to hand Carlos Tevez a staggering £6 million-a-year deal to keep him at Upton Park. That would put him amongst the top half-dozen earners in the Premiership - but it still might not be enough to keep him at Upton Park, says the People. An Upton Park source said: "Everyone at the club is desperate for Carlos to stay. He has an amazing rapport with the fans and seems to be very settled here. "The chairman will break the bank to keep him, even if it will cost £31m to sign him on a long-term deal, and he will use the Premiership TV money plus other sponsorship to bankroll the deal."
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