Pearce Snubs West Ham - The Sun
STUART PEARCE today ruled himself out of the vacant manager's position at
West Ham. The England Under-21 boss was one of the favourites to succeed
Alan Curbishley at Upton Park, but the former Hammers defender revealed he
will honour his contract with the FA and stay with the Three Lions. Pearce,
46, said: "I'm a man of my word and the way the game flits in and flits out
at the moment disappoints me greatly. "I gave my word to the FA when I took
the job that I would certainly honour my contract. "If we go out of the
Under-21 qualifying campaign that might change that but other than that
happening, I will honour my contract no matter what's dangled under my nose
financially. "This group of players need to know that I'm their manager from
start to finish and that's the sort of loyalty players need to see
nowadays."
Croatia manager Slaven Bilic remains favourite to replace Curbishley in the
Upton Park hot seat, but the former West Ham hero remains coy on talk of him
taking over the reigns at his old club. Bilic said: "I am always being asked
about the West Ham job but there is nothing I can say. "I have a contract
with Croatia until the World Cup ends in 2010."
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McCartney sale 'was last straw' - Belfast Telegraph
By Graham Luney
Thursday, 4 September 2008
Glynn Snodin has admitted the sale of George McCartney from West Ham to
Sunderland just before the transfer window shut may have forced manager Alan
Curbishley to quit the club. Hammers coach Snodin, who is also the Northern
Ireland assistant boss, shares Curbishley's dismay at the enforced sales of
Anton Ferdinand and McCartney. Snodin's future at the club is now uncertain
as his former Charlton Athletic comrade brought him to Upton Park last
summer. The 48-year-old, who remains committed to the Northern Ireland
cause, admitted he was shocked to see his old pal leave the club. "I was
surprised and disappointed at what happened as we had hoped to keep
improving after making a good start to the season," said Snodin. "But Curbs
has made a decision he feels is the right one and I would need to speak to
him to find out what his plans are. "Sometimes crazy things happen in
football and it has certainly been a crazy week. Alan brought me to the club
from Southampton and we wanted to kick on and see the club progress."
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Curbishley Made Errors - Joorabchian - Goal.com
While Alan Curbishley, who resigned as West Ham manager yesterday,
complained that transfer policy had been taken out of his control, he has
now been accused of contributing to his own downfall through costly errors
in the transfer market. Agent Kia Joorabchian, who acts as a transfer
adviser to West Ham United, reckons Curbishley made life difficult for
himself at the Boleyn Ground with some costly mistakes. "The board left it
in the hands of someone they assumed was capable. Things went wrong,"
Joorabchian told BBC Sport. The two sales made shortly before the transfer
deadline - of Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney - left Curbishley
particularly annoyed. He accused the club of "a breach of trust and
confidence" that had left him with "no option but to leave." Ferdinand and
McCartney were both sold to Sunderland. The fees were around £8million and
£6million, respectively, which Joorabchian labelled "tough numbers to
reject." It was the Iranian businessman Joorabchian who, in 2006, helped
West Ham controversially sign Argentine pair Carlos Tevez and Javier
Mascherano. Curbishley, who was 15 years in charge of Charlton Athletic
before joining his boyhood heroes West Ham, signed players like Freddie
Ljungberg, Kieron Dyer and Craig Bellamy for the Hammers, although injuries
meant all three were available only occasionally. And Ljungberg had to be
offered a significant sum to terminate his contract after only one year of a
lucrative four-year deal.
Joorabchian, who said Curbishley and former chairman Eggert Magnusson were
both culpable, insisted that the club were forced to cut their wage bill and
sell players before bringing in new ones. "I think from the day Curbishley
entered the club, he made most of the decisions with regard to the incomings
of Luis Boa Morte, Nigel Quashie, Dyer and Ljungberg," said Joorabchian. "I
wasn't deeply involved at that time but it was pretty clear cut that he was
very much involved in those. "I think the board realised that there were a
lot of mistakes made during that period when Mr Magnusson was in charge.
"Not to put blame on either of them but the salaries that were being given
and the players that were being brought in were probably not the board's
idea of taking the club forward."
Near the end of last season West Ham's wage bill was close to a staggering
£50million a year, leaving the board - according to Joorabchian - with a
"difficult task" to recruit new players. "Your wage structure has to be
able to cope with the players coming in and if you have a lot of players on
your books with high salaries, who are probably not very productive on a
day-to-day basis, your first stage is to release some of that wage structure
to get into the transfer market again. I think it's very sad what happened
to West Ham in the last year, with the players and the direction which they
went. "I do feel for Curbishley because he's a manager who has resigned
under pressure but, unfortunately, the game has become so competitive that I
think every manager understands that there are three major issues. "You have
to succeed in the transfer window; you have to make sure you have a winning
side; and - when you're at a club like West Ham - you have to play good
football."
Ironically for a club who employed just seven managers in the first 100
years of their existence, Curbishley's departure leaves West Ham seeking
their fifth manager in seven years. Croatia coach Slaven Bilic, Portsmouth
manager Harry Redknapp and former Hammers forward Paolo Di Canio are all
said to be in the frame. Despite the current turmoil, Icelandic chairman
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson insists the future is bright for the Hammers. "In my
first full season as chairman of this great football club, I can assure our
loyal supporters that we are working hard to bring sustained success to West
Ham United. "Everyone, including the chief executive and board, is committed
to this common goal. "We have a long-term strategy that takes into account
all aspects of West Ham United's past, present and future and we will not be
deterred. "Our fans can look forward to many positive years on and off the
pitch."
Mark Hinton, Goal.com
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Ferdinand believes Hammers should never have let McCartney join him at
Sunderland - Guardian Series
11:24am Thursday 4th September 2008
ANTON Ferdinand has taken a thinly-veiled dig at former club West Ham by
insisting they should never have sold George McCartney to Sunderland.
Full-back McCartney returned to Wearside before the transfer deadline on
Monday after a two-year spell with the Irons. Although he was arguably the
Hammers most consistent outfield performer during that time, the club
allowed the 27-year-old to join the Black Cats after he slapped in a
transgfer request. That came just days after Ferdinand was given permission
to uproot from the East End to the north-east of England.
The pair followed Bobby Zamora, John Paintsil, Freddie Ljungberg, Richard
Wright and Nobby Solano out of Upton Park this summer and Ferdinand hinted
that the Hammers seem to have returned to its status as a selling club. "To
be honest, I was surprised when West Ham let George go," said the former
England under-21 star.
"He's a very consistent player and he played every game last year for West
Ham. "It was very rare for him to have been below par. He was at least a
seven out of ten in pretty much every game he played. He's one of the most
consistent players I've ever played with, and that's why I was surprised
West Ham let him go. "But that's what's happening down there at the moment
so let's just leave it at that."
However, Ferdinand said he is delighted that his new club have snapped up
the Northern Ireland international, and admits he can't wait to get back out
on the pitch with his team mate. "George is a great signing," he added. "I
know he loves it up here so much, so this is probably going to be like
coming home for him. "I'm sure it'll put another spring in his step, and I'm
looking forward to playing with him again."
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Curbishley's the latest but the tradition of the English manager as master
of all he surveys is ending as clubs' foreign owners flex their muscles -
Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 11:14 AM on 04th September 2008
There was a time when West Ham used to pride themselves on the longevity of
their managers. They figured that continuity equalled success and generally,
that philosophy worked for them. Things have moved on though and in recent
years, the managerial turnover at Upton Park has rapidly increased. Having
been run by just three managers - Ted Fenton, Ron Greenwood and John Lyall -
between 1950 and 1989, they have been through seven since that date. But
West Ham are not alone, as top-flight English football is going through a
period of wholesale change and there are bound to be casualties. The latest
victims are Alan Curbishley at West Ham and, bar a dramatic U-turn, Kevin
Keegan at Newcastle. Both men are traditional managers. They like to be in
control and on top of things. Old traditions though, are being swept away
with an astonishing rapidity as an increasing number of owners adopt the
European style of football decision-making. There the coaches coach, the
directors of football identify the targets and the power brokers decide
where, when and how to spend the money. That is the way the game is now
progressing but some, accustomed to an all-powerful manager model, find it
difficult to stomach.
Curbishley says he was promised the final say on transfer dealings while the
West Ham board contend that he shouldn't sign up to a premeditated transfer
policy and then moan when it is put into practice. The chaotic situation up
on Tyneside is another example of an old-school manager not being able to
accept that the rules are changing - that he that pays the piper (the
owner), really does now call the tune. Even over at Eastlands, manager Mark
Hughes was on the golf course when the new Abou Manchester City regime
bought Robinho. His input was non-existent. How many current managers in the
English Premiership, in fact, do exercise significant control within their
clubs? Sir Alex Ferguson definitely, Arsene Wenger certainly, Martin O'Neill
and Gareth Southgate probably.
David Pleat was a prototype English director-of football at Tottenham and he
is uncomfortable with many aspects of the way football is moving. He said:
'At Spurs I had an excellent relationship with the manager, George Graham. I
used to identify players who were within my budget, such as Simon Davies,
Matthew Etherington, Gary Doherty, and George would say 'go out and get
them. 'Now, often the directors of football are appointments of the board
and there is tension between them and the managers. I do believe the
concept of a director of football is a sound one but he has to complement
the manager. But I am very concerned about the route we are taking. 'The
money being paid to players at the top level is just grotesque and is
haemorrhaging from our game. What is happening defies sensible logic and we
need to put it right before it is too late.'
Another highly successful manager with traditional values is Harry Redknapp,
whose name has been linked with a return to Upton Park in some quarters. He
has had to deal with directors of football at Portsmouth and bosses face
expulsion Southampton and been forced to accept diminished involvement in
player deals. Redknapp said: "Managers as we know them now could be a thing
of the past in the next decade. '"I can see the manager's role being
reduced. Now owners will go "we'll have him, him and him" and the managers
must get on with it. For sure that is detrimental to football and the art of
football management. 'Soon every club in the Premiership will be owned by
mega-rich foreign investors. That's how it will go.'
Recent events would appear to confirm Redknapp's opinion, which is perhaps
why foreign owners are now favouring foreign managers who are more
comfortable with this concept. English football is rightly proud of its
traditions and its history, so it is not surprising there are members of the
older generation struggling to adapt to the new order. Those British
managers who want to stay in the game at the very top had better come to
terms with their diminished status or follow Curbishley out of the door.
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Torino blast for Di Michele - SSN
Cairo enraged by West Ham new boy's behaviour
Last updated: 4th September 2008
Torino president Urbano Cairo has issued a withered riposte in the direction
of West Ham new boy David Di Michele. The managerless Hammers completed a
last minute deadline day deal to take the Italian striker to Upton Park on a
season-long loan. He leaves his Turin employers somewhat under a cloud
though, after Cairo issued a statement which derided Di Michele's behaviour
and performances during his short stay at the club. Di Michele only joined
Torino from Palermo last summer but an eventful campaign last term was beset
by problems. "I tried to get him to stay until the end," Cairo told Football
Italia. "I asked him to give me one quality championship. "However, David
showed himself to be ungrateful for what I did a year ago when we bought him
in spite of the shadow of suspension. "From the start of pre-season he
hasn't shown the good faith we did and he has skipped an incredible number
of training sessions for vague reasons, including a headache. "He didn't
behave like a real professional and so with a heavy heart I decided to sell
him."
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Cole wants Hammers stay - Setanta
by Ciaran Baynes, 04 September 2008
Carlton Cole has insisted he has no desire to leave West Ham despite being
linked with a move to Sunderland on transfer deadline day. Alan Curbishley
left Upton Park following the sale of George McCartney to The Black Cats on
transfer deadline day. Cole insists that unlike McCartney he was not looking
to move to the North East and wants to stay at the club for many years to
come. "I don't want the fans to think that I want to leave," Cole said. "I
am happy at West Ham. I have just become a father and I don't want to go
anywhere. "I am really settled in my life and only want to work hard and do
well for West Ham. I am just looking forward to a bright future and, when
the time is right, the deal will be done. "All I am thinking about is
pushing on this season and scoring more goals. That is my main objective. I
am happy with my situation and hopefully I can carry on playing games and
doing my best for West Ham. "When I play, I am happy. Every time I play for
West Ham I try and give 100 per cent. "Hopefully I can stay fit and be
available for selection every game, like I was last season. "The fans have
not seen the best of me. Last season I had my first proper run of games and
I was happy with my tally of appearances - but I want to add more goals."
After playing with a lone striker for much of last season, Curbishley paired
Cole alongside Dean Ashton for all the Premier League games this season and
is hopeful they can forge a winning partnership whoever the incoming manager
is. "Hopefully we can be a potent strikeforce together, whatever the
combination," Cole added.
"Even if we are coming off the bench, we have got to all pull in the same
direction and help each other."
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Former Hammers boss Curbishley's reputation is savaged in double attack by
board and agent Joorabchian - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 10:50 AM on 04th September 2008
Alan Curbishley's reputation came under a double-pronged attack from West
Ham's owners and one of their key advisers today. The board denied
accusations by Curbishley, who walked out on the club yesterday, that they
had sold players against the former manager's wishes. And agent Kia
Joorabchian, a transfer adviser at Upton Park, weighed in with the
accusation that Curbishley had hardly covered himself in glory in the
transfer market. 'The board left it in the hands of someone they assumed was
capable, and things went wrong,' he told BBC Sport.
In his resignation statement, Curbishley cited a betrayal of trust by the
board following summer sales, particularly of George McCartney on transfer
deadline day.
But the Hammers board maintain that Curbishley was present at several
meetings, the first of which was at the beginning of April, when the club's
future policy was discussed. A club spokesman said Curbishley 'was aware of
and agreed with' the board's decision, both then and in subsequent meetings,
the most recent of which was after the opening game of the season against
Wigan.
West Ham chairman and owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson had decided to recoup
£16million before the summer transfer deadline by selling some players but
resisted overtures from clubs for others, including Dean Ashton, Craig
Bellamy and goalkeeper Robert Green. The Upton Park club believed that
Curbishley had agreed to the policy and had accepted the consequences.
Agent Kia Joorabchian, a transfer adviser at Upton Park, however said
Curbishley himself had hardly covered himself in glory in the transfer
market. 'The board left it in the hands of someone they assumed was capable,
things went wrong,' he told BBC Sport. 'I think from the day Curbishley
entered the club, he made most of the decisions with regard to the incomings
of Luis Boa Morte, Nigel Quashie, Dyer and Ljungberg. 'I wasn't deeply
involved at that time but it was pretty clear cut that he was very much
involved in those. 'I think the board realised that there were a lot of
mistakes made during that period when Mr Magnusson was in charge. 'Not to
put blame on either of them but the salaries that were being given and the
players that were being brought in were probably not the board's idea of
taking the club forward.'
It has also emerged that there were attempts to get Curbishley to change his
mind once it became apparent the club would have to pay compensation because
of a clause in his contract allowing him 'veto over sales'. Meetings were
held with chief executive Scott Duxbury before the resignation was accepted.
Curbishley said: 'I felt I could just not stand by and let what happened
[pass], especially at the weekend, so I made a decision. Some managers may
not have taken this action but I could not sit around and be silent on it.
'I am absolutely gutted I have had to come to this decision.'
Curbishley, who was appointed in December 2006, added: 'I have overall say
on players who come in and out of the club, although I have no say on
transfer fees or any financial negotiations with the players – that has been
made quite clear in my contract. 'On Sunday morning, I went into a meeting
with Scott Duxbury at Upton Park, perhaps hoping to bring some loans in, and
I was told I would not be in that position unless someone left the club. 'I
said straight away, "well let's go home then because I do not want anyone to
leave". 'I was just quite happy we get on with it as we are, especially
coming off the back of the result against Blackburn. 'I was quite happy to
stick with it, even if it meant that I could not improve it.'
Croatia boss Slaven Bilic and former Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini have
both emerged as front runners for the vacant manager's job. Mancini is
available following his departure from Inter and is known by West Ham's
technical director, fellow Italian Gianluca Nani. Bilic insisted today that
he had a contract with his country, who take on England next Wednesday,
until 2010 but is known to crave a move to the Premier League.
Davide Ballardini, former coach at Cagliari, is another candidate as is
former West Ham player, the iconic Paolo Di Canio. The club hope to have the
new man in place before their next match, at West Brom on Saturday week. A
club spokesman said: 'There is a calm logic about the board. 'A shortlist
will be drawn up over the next few days but we are not putting a timetable
on this. There are people who interest us and others who have made their
interest known.'
English candidates are thin on the ground. Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp
is happy at Fratton Park, although he has made it known to close friends
that the only club he would leave for is West Ham. England Under-21 coach
Stuart Pearce, who played for West Ham under Redknapp, is another
possibility and would relish the opportunity to return to club management.
Assistant manager Mervyn Day and first-team coach Glyn Snodin are expected
to follow Curbishley, while reserve team coach Kevin Keen has been put in
temporary charge of first-team matters.
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Bilic committed to Croatia - SSN
But Di Canio would welcome West Ham chance
Last updated: 4th September 2008
Slaven Bilic has ruled himself out of the running for the West Ham vacancy,
but Paolo Di Canio admits it would be his 'dream'. The Upton Park club are
searching for a new manager following Alan Curbishley's decision to resign
on Tuesday after 21 months in charge. Former Hammers defender Bilic, who has
seen his stock rise after his displays at the helm of Croatia, has been
strongly linked with a move to the Premier League for some time. But he
maintains that he is fully focused on guiding his country to the World Cup
finals in South Africa, having once again been pitted against England at the
qualification stage.
Bilic said: "I am always being asked about the West Ham job but there is
nothing I can say. "I have a contract with Croatia until the World Cup ends
in 2010."
But Di Canio, who became a fans' favourite during his stint as a striker in
East London, would reportedly welcome the chance to replace Curbishley. The
eccentric Italian is quoted by The Sun as saying: "I am waiting for a job in
England because my dream is to come back and I think there are a lot of good
things I can bring.
"I took the coaching badges in the summer and I would like to have a job.
"My dream team is West Ham. I keep the club in my heart. One day I hope to
come back to London and sit on the bench at West Ham."
One other name which has been thrown into the frame is former Cagliari coach
Davide Ballardini, how has close ties to the Hammers technical director
Gianluca Nani.
But Ballardini claims he is currently in the dark and has heard nothing from
the Premier League club. He told the Daily Mirror: "I do not know about the
situation at West Ham. "There has been no contact."
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Bellamy back in the old routine - e24.co.uk
04 September 2008
By JONATHAN CLEGG
CRAIG BELLAMY roared back to action for West Ham last weekend with a vintage
display that showed that foot and mouth are back in working order. The Wales
striker came off the bench against former club Blackburn and was booked
within minutes of his arrival for showing dissent to a linesman - before
racing clear in stoppage time to volley home his first Premier League goal
for 10 months. The 29-year-old has been sidelined with a hamstring strain
for the past four weeks but Hammers boss Alan Curbishley later remarked that
his 20-minute cameo appearance was classic Bellamy. "It was typical Craig,"
said Curbishley. "He goes on for 20 minutes, gets booked and scores a goal.
That's normal." Bellamy's quick running and clever movement gave West Ham
attacking impetus when Blackburn were in the ascendancy and reminded the
Upton Park crowd what they were missing last season, when he was limited to
a handful of appearances.
Despite being limited to a late outing as a substitute, his impact also
reinforced Curbishley's belief that the diminutive forward will give his
team an extra dimension when he makes a full recovery. "We needed what he
gave us but we can't rush him back. He was pressed into action [on Saturday]
because of the situation. "He's only had 20 minutes in a month and ideally
we would have liked him to have a bit more training but the situation we
were in today we needed him around. "I looked at him a couple of times and
said, 'Look, let's do it' and he wanted to wait another five minutes, then
another five minutes. "But I think we all know what we've got with him and
whoever he plays with and whenever he plays it gives us something
different."
Bellamy was due to link up with Wales this week for the World Cup qualifiers
against Azerbaijan on Saturday and Russia four days later but he has now
withdrawn from the squad in a bid to improve his fitness ahead of West Ham's
visit to West Bromwich Albion next weekend. The Hammers hit-man will now
look to build up his sharpness in a specially arranged friendly match next
week and Curbishley can begin to contemplate fielding the dynamic team he
has always promised the club's supporters. He said: "When we can get the
full squad together we've got a bit of pace and we can get around the pitch
but I've never been that fortunate [because of injuries]. "It looks like
we've got a few new players in some respects. Faubert's only played six,
Behrami just arrived a month ago, so we're all bedding in still. But Bellamy
obviously makes a big difference.
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Defender Calum determined to grasp his chance - e24.co.uk
04 September 2008
By JONATHAN CLEGG
THE controversial sale of defender Anton Ferdinand to Sunderland last week
has generated mixed feelings among West Ham fans. But for Calum Davenport,
the £8m departure of Ferdinand to Sunderland was another unforeseen twist in
a miraculous journey from hospital bed to Hammers regular. Davenport
suffered a serious neck injury when making his debut on loan for Watford
against Charlton in January, raising fears that he would spend the rest of
his life in a wheelchair. Yet six months later Davenport is back in action
for West Ham following a remarkable recovery. Now the decision to off-load
Ferdinand has cleared the way for Davenport to keep his place in the
starting line-up at Upton Park. And the former Spurs defender, who started
the first three games of the season while Ferdinand was sidelined with a
hamstring injury, is determined to grasp his opportunity. "You can look at
it from the point of view that it's one less [player in] competition for the
place," Davenport said of Ferdinand's departure. "There's a chance I can get
a run and cement my place. Anton picked up an injury and moved on - that's
football. "But I don't feel as though I'm filling in any gaps. In other
people's eyes, that might seem the case, but I'm here to play football, not
sit on the bench. "I want to keep my place. I've had a good pre-season, kept
myself fit, kept myself right and sometimes a little bit of luck falls your
way."
Fortune has certainly smiled on Davenport in the past 12 months. The
25-year-old knows he is lucky to be playing again following the neck injury
that saw him taken off on a stretcher and immediately transferred to
hospital, where he spent several agonising days gradually recovering his
movement. "For anybody that has been through something touch and go like
that, I think you appreciate a little bit more what you've got," said
Davenport. "I fractured the vertebrae in my neck and the swelling around the
nerve endings, which reach down your arms and legs, was bad. "The guy landed
on my neck and the specialist told me that if he had been another two kilos
heavier, I would have been in a wheelchair. "I lost feeling in my right hand
and my right leg for a brief period but thankfully it came back. "I was one
of the lucky ones and I just try and take every game and every training
session as it comes. "It has been a long while and I'm just happy to be
playing for a massive club in the best league in the world and long may that
continue."
Davenport looks set to continue in the Hammers team following a solid
display against Blackburn, which he capped by heading his first goal for the
club. "This is a fantastic club and a fantastic fan base and everybody here
has been unbelievable to me," he said. "I hope I can repay them.
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West Ham cost cutting? Cue a giant Sheffield United "Tevez" pay out...
Last month we reported that it would be "in September" when West Ham United
would find out how much compo they have to pay the Blades over the Tevez
mess.
So its interesting to see their puffin eating owners have gone on a rampant
cost cutting spree just before the decision is to be made. It has been
enough to scare of ol' Curbs, so does someone at the club know a big payout
is coming Sheffield United's way. A payout they couldn't afford to pay
without some radical measures.
When we polled you how much West Ham should have to pay, over 5000 (56%) of
you declared the Hammers should pay nothing. However 1230 of you (13%)
thought West Ham should pay over £50million. Could that minority be right?
Will the Hammers be paying out a small fortune? Thankfully we won't have to
wait long to find out...
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Curbishley looking for a quick return after leaving West Ham - Guardian
Series
10:46am Thursday 4th September 2008
FORMER West Ham boss Alan Curbishley is looking to return to Premier League
management as soon as possible, after leaving the Hammers yesterday.
Curbishley resigned from his post as manager yesterday - after the transfers
of Anton Ferdinand and George Mccartney took place without his knowledge -
and the 50-year-old is hoping he can make a swift return back into
management. "If anything becomes available I'll be looking for that in the
Premier League," Curbishley told Sky Sports News. "That's where I want to be
and we'll see if that materialises." And despite coming under increasing
pressure during his final couple of weeks with the Hammers, Curbishley
believes that he did a good job with the Hammers during his time in charge.
He continued:"I'm a big boy, I've been around, I'm quite experienced. "I
just felt that this wasn't right. In the end I've had to make a stance on
it. "I look back at my time and no matter what people think, I've enjoyed it
and I think I've done a good job."
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Barack Obama long shot for West Ham job
Thursday, 4 September 2008
Independent.co.uk Web
From the West Wing to West Ham, Barack Obama is in the running for two big
jobs. The Democratic presidential nominee was listed as a 10,000-1 shot to
take over Premier League West Ham on Wednesday after a London-based
businessman bet £10 that Obama will replace Alan Curbishley as the team's
manager. Bookmaker William Hill agreed to offer the unidentified customer
the longshot odds on Obama swapping politics for the Premier League,
although no one expects the £100,000 prize to materialise despite rumours
that Obama has been a fan of the Hammers since visiting Britain five years
ago. William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe said that the bettor simply wanted
to show his American friends and clients a betting slip with the Illinois
senator's name on it. "We offered 10,000-1 as he (Obama) is probably more
concerned with winning a slightly higher profile job for himself at the
moment," Sharpe said. "But if he loses out on that one and the position is
still up for grabs, you never know." In the other race, William Hill quotes
Obama as the 4-9 favorite to beat John McCain and become president of the
United States. McCain is listed at 13-8. As for West Ham, William Hill lists
Croatia coach Slaven Bilic, a former West Ham player, as a 3-1 favourite.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sunderland boss thinks Curbishley was right to quit West Ham - Guardian
Series
10:41am Thursday 4th September 2008
SUNDERLAND boss Roy Keane has backed Alan Curbishley's decision to quit
Upton Park, despite signing the two players the former Charlton boss was
most upset about losing. Curbishley quit the Hammers yesterday - blaming a
breach of trust and confidence as his reasoning for leaving- and fellow
Premier League manager Keane has revealed that if he was in his shoes he
would have done the same. He comments, however, ironically come after he
took both Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney to the Stadium of Light,
which were the two deals Curbishley had the most problems with. "I wouldn't
last two seconds if my board interfered," Keane told The Daily Star. "I
decide who is going and who is coming. Nobody is ringing me every day of the
week asking me this and that. There is no interfering whatsoever.
"I made it clear when I came in that if there was an interference I wouldn't
have lasted two seconds, never mind two minutes. "I am very lucky here. I
have enjoyed great support in terms of changing players and staff over the
last two years and I answer to nobody in that sense."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
10 Things you need to know about potential new West Ham boss Slaven Bilic -
The Mirror
By Dan Silver, Mirror.co.uk 4/09/2008
Slaven Bilic
Croatia boss Slaven Bilic is the bookies' favourite to replace Alan
Curbishley as manager of West Ham United even though he has no domestic
managerial experience. Here's everything you need to know about the man the
Upton Park faithful once called 'Super Slav…'
1) Slaven Bilic was born on 11 September 1968 in Split, Croatia. An imposing
central defender, he started his playing career at hometown club Hadjuk
Split and turned pro at the age of 19.
2) He made over 100 appearances for Split before Kalsruher took him to the
Bundesliga in 1993 for £750k. After two successful seasons – including a run
to the semi-final of the UEFA Cup in 1994 – he was snapped up by then West
Ham manager Harry Redknapp for £1.3m in January 1996.
3) After impressing for Croatia at Euro 96, he was the subject of a
successful £4.5m Everton bid in March 1997. Bilic stayed at Upton Park until
the end of the season in order to secure the Hammers' Premiership safety
before moving to Goodison.
4) His time at Everton was marred by injury, suspensions and, ultimately, a
loss of form that saw manager Walter Smith sanction his departure in July
1999. Nobody came in for Bilic, though, and after a farcical period in which
he moved back to Zagreb but remained on the club's pay-roll, Everton
eventually paid off his contract. He re-signed for Split two days later.
5) Bilic won 44 caps for Croatia, but his international career was blighted
by an incident in the 1998 World Cup semi-final against hosts France in
which he engineered Laurent Blanc's dismissal. As a result the French
defender was suspended for the Final, and Bilic later apologised to him for
play-acting in order to get him to him sent off. The incident occurs at 6.55
in the following clip:
6) A qualified lawyer who is fluent in German, Italian and English, he was
renowned for being both an intellectual and also a smoker. "It's normal in
Europe," he shrugged when asked about it. "'In my national team, we had
maybe 10 players who were smokers."
7) After hanging up his playing boots, he took charge of Split for five
games in 2000 while the club was between managers. Bilic became hooked on
the adrenaline rush, and subsequently went on fact-finding missions to
Juventus and Arsenal to learn from Marcello Lippi and Arsene Wenger.
8) After being appointed Croatian U-21 coach in 2004, he took over the
senior team on 25 July 2006. He immediately promoted Eduardo, Luka Modric
and Verdan Corluka from the U-21s, and confounded all expectations to win
Croatia's Euro 2008 qualifying group, finishing above both England and
Russia. His side beat England home and away in qualification, the 3-2
victory at Wembley in November 2007 ultimately costing boss Steve McClaren
his job.
9) He was the youngest national coach at Euro 2008 but despite a strong
start –Croatia won all three group stages, including an excellent 2-1
victory over favourites Germany 2-1 – Bilic's side were beaten late on by
Turkey in a thrilling quarter-final. Bilic has nonetheless won 17 of his 24
games in charge of Croatia, and lost just two.
10) He famously wears a studded earring and plays lead guitar in a rock band
called Rawbu. They scored a number one hit in Croatia with this Euro 2008
anthem 'Vatreno Ludilo" (which translates at 'Fiery Madness'). Don't give up
the day job, Slav…
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lucas Neill's lucky escape after breaking Jamie Carragher's leg - The Mirror
By Jamie Carragher 4/09/2008
When my leg was broken in an horrific tackle by Lucas Neill in September
2003, my mates were ready to hunt him down if I gave the go-ahead. A few
weeks later I received a phone call. "You won't believe this, Jay. We're in
the Trafford Centre and Lucas Neill is walking straight towards us. What do
you reckon?" Did I really want Neill to take a crack? "There's only one
problem," added the voice. "Little Davey Thommo is with him." That was that.
I could hardly let one of my best mates, David Thompson, now a Blackburn
player, become a witness to an assault. Besides he'd have recognised the
attackers. The impromptu mission was aborted and I sent a text to Thommo
telling him Neill should give him a hug of thanks. As word got back to
Blackburn about the near miss, or should that be hit, their coach Terry
Darracott, a Scouser, appealed to one of my friends to call the boys off. I
agreed.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HAMMERS REFUTE CURBS` GRIEVANCES - Football365
Posted 04/09/08 09:55
Alan Curbishley's claim that he resigned as West Ham manager over "a breach
of trust" has been undermined by the disclosure that George McCartney made a
formal transfer request and the insistence of the club that Curbishley was
consulted on the sale of Anton Ferdinand.
In the wake of his surprise resignation, Curbishley specifically cited the
departures of the two defenders as the reason why he had left Upton Park. "I
felt I could just not stand by and let what happened, so I made a decision,"
Curbishley said. "The club continued to make significant player decisions
without involving me. In the end, such a breach of trust and confidence
meant that I had no option but to leave.
"Ferdinand had made it categorically clear to me that he wanted to stay.
Then I said no other players would be leaving - but McCartney was sold on
Monday."
Yet the West Ham hierarchy would argue that they become powerless to honour
to any such assurances once the full-back personally handed in a transfer
request over the weekend, citing his wife's inability to settle in London.
McCartney, described as a 'volatile character', is reported to have
explained that his marriage had become 'strained' as a result.
While his transfer could thus be depicted as compassionate, it also
represented good business. Bought for approximately £1m two years ago, he
was sold to Sunderland for £6m - an increase of £1.5m on the amount Roy
Keane offered earlier in the summer. Nor would his departure necessarily
weaken the Hammers squad with Curbishley told that the club had found a
replacement in Toulouse's Herita Ilunga.
Curbishley's grievances over the sale of Ferdinand has also mystified - and
angered - club insiders. According to The Independent, 'The club was furious
at the way Curbishley talked about the sale of Ferdinand, who had refused to
sign a new contract that would have paid him £35,000 a week. Having rejected
the deal, Curbishley was consulted and asked if Ferdinand could be sold. He
agreed. The board were then horrified to hear Curbishley say that "the
decision was taken out off my hands".'
Despite holding an exclusive interview with Curbishley in which he stresses
that his decision to resign was 'a point of principle', The Sun also reports
that 'the problems go much deeper than that at a club in severe danger of
imploding'.
The newspaper claims that Craig Bellamy and Matthew Upson had 'a bitter
fight after Saturday's 4-1 home victory over Blackburn' while 'Skipper Lucas
Neill had a blazing row with Curbs after the same game'. When the then-West
Ham manager accused his players of nearly throwing away the match, they are
said to have retorted that they had kept him in a job. As it transpired, it
was the briefest of reprieves.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers take a positive approach - metro.co.uk
Thursday, September 4, 2008
West Ham maintain there are 'positive' times ahead at Upton Park, despite
the resignation and stinging criticism of manager Alan Curbishley. The
Hammers will now begin the search for a fifth manager in seven years - with
former defender Slaven Bilic, the Croatia coach, said to top the board's
shortlist. The position of Curbishley - appointed in December 2006 - had
been under intense scrutiny for some time, although West Ham had opened the
new campaign with two wins from three Premier League matches, which went
some way to placating the club's supporters. Hammers chairman and owner
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson maintains the east London club are heading in the
right direction. 'In my first full season as chairman of this great football
club, I can assure our loyal supporters that we are working hard to bring
sustained success to West Ham United,' he said. 'Everyone, including the
chief executive and board, is committed to this common goal. 'We have a
long-term strategy that takes into account all aspects of West Ham United's
past, present and future and we will not be deterred. 'Our fans can look
forward to many positive years on and off the pitch.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tomkins returns to action - Echo
9:25am Thursday 4th September 2008
BASILDON based James Tomkins made his return to action on Tuesday in a
behind-closed-doors friendly with Wycombe Wanderers. The 19-year-old
defender - out with a knee injury picked up while on England under-19 duty
in July - managed 45 minutes in West Ham's 2-0 victory. But fellow homegrown
youngster Freddie Sears grabbed the headlines by scoring both goals. The
18-year-old striker opened his account on seven minutes with a fine solo
effort, running past four Wycombe players before unleashing a shot into the
top corner. And he doubled the lead ten minutes later, turning in a Zavon
Hines cross from close range. The match also featured Hammers first teamers
Kyel Reid, Hayden Mullins and Luis Boa Morte, while long-term absentee Nigel
Quashie - out with a foot injury since March 2007 - continued his
rehabilitation with a second half substitute appearance.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic and Harry Redknapp rule themselves out of West Ham vacancy -
Telegraph
West Ham have suffered an early setback in their plans to replace Alan
Curbishley after favourites Slaven Bilic and Harry Redknapp ruled themselves
out of the running for the vacant managerial post.
By Matt Lawless
Last Updated: 9:26AM BST 04 Sep 2008
Bilic was instantly installed as the bookmakers favourite to succeed
Curbishley, with Redknapp closely following on the east London club's
wish-list. But it is understood the Croatia manager is set to turn down the
chance to return to his former club, while Redknapp has also distanced
himself from the vacancy insisting he is happy to remain at Portsmouth. West
Ham's board of directors will convene today to discuss a shortlist of 10
candidates with both Bilic and Redknapp tipped to be highly placed despite
contrary reports. Although Bilic, who spent three years as a popular player
at West Ham after Redknapp paid £1.3 million to sign him, has no experience
of managing at club level, his record in charge of Croatia has been highly
revered. The former defender, 39, signed a two-year extension to his
national contract in the summer, spurning the advances of German outfit SV
Hamburg. Furthermore, it is believed that the patriotic Bilic would like to
see out the remainder of his Croatia deal, which expires after the World Cup
in 2010, by which time he might win the opportunity to manage a bigger club
on the continent should he continue to impress.
Redknapp, meanwhile, praised Curbishley for tendering his resignation due to
interference above him and pledged his future to Portsmouth. Curbishley
cited the sales of Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney by the club's
Icelandic owners as decisive factors in his decision to end his troubled
tenure after 20 months. Redknapp, who was sacked by West Ham in 2001 after
seven years service after a similar dispute with the club's former owners,
said: "There's no way I'll replace Alan. Don't get wrong West Ham is a
fantastic club with a special place in my heart. But I love it here at
Portsmouth. "I take my hat off to Alan for sticking to his principles," he
added, blaming the present trend of rich owner's undermining their managers.
"But I have one big advantage over a lot of Premier League bosses these days
in that I've got an owner who lets the manager manage."
England under-21 manager Stuart Pearce, another said to be in the frame,
also spent a successful stint as a player at Upton Park but effectively
ruled himself out of the running after condemning the 'witch-hunt' that
forced Curbishley to resign only three games into the Premier League season.
Pearce said: "Curbs is a very good manager who's proven himself. But
sometimes when there is a groundswell of opinion against you, it becomes
like a witch-hunt. I find it quite disappointing."
With Bilic, Redknapp and Pearce all reportedly not interested in becoming
the West Ham's fourth manager in the space of five years, Italian trio Paolo
Di Canio, Roberto Mancini and former Cagliari coach Davide Ballardini have
instead emerged as prime contenders to take over at Upton Park.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Thursday's football transfer rumours: the next West Ham manager
John Ashdown guardian.co.uk, Thursday September 04 2008 09:13 BST
Slaven Bilic is the hot favourite to take over as the next West Ham manager.
Slaven Bilic has ruled himself out of the race to become the next West Ham
manager.
Harry Redknapp is the man the top brass at Upton Park want to be the next
West Ham manager.
Harry Redknapp is oh-so-happy at Portsmouth and does not want to be the next
West Ham manager.
Tony Adams isn't quite so happy at Portsmouth and he's as short as 16-1 with
the bookies to become the next West Ham manager.
Davide Ballardini is a tough-as-old-boots former Cagliari coach and is
Hammers' technical director Gianluca Nani's choice as the next West Ham
manager.
Pierpaolo Bisoli may have only managed a village under-12s side somewhere in
Tuscany but he's has been identified by Nani as the next West Ham manager.
Paolo Di Canio loves West Ham with all his heart, both lungs and one of his
kidneys. He's a shock contender to be the next West Ham manager.
Roberto Mancini doesn't love West Ham with any vital organs. In fact, he may
never have heard of them. But he's got three Serie A trophies on his CV,
he's as Italian as pappa al pomodoro, so he's in the running to become the
next West Ham manager.
Sam Allardyce isn't Italian but he once ate out at Pizza Express and he's
still among the favourites to be the next West Ham manager.
Avram Grant has more points to prove than a baker of conical bread and is
desperate show them all, show them all I tells yer, by becoming the next
West Ham manager.
Sven-Goran Eriksson has got more Italian connections than Milan train
station, so he's on the radar to become the next West Ham manager.
Stuart Pearce once played for West Ham, he's in charge of a football team,
so he's among the frontrunners in the race to be the next West Ham manager.
Louis van Gaal is always linked with jobs in the Premier League. That's why
he's one of the candidates to become the next West Ham manager.
In other West Ham news, the Sun reports that two senior Hammers players had
a "bitter fight" after the 4-1 win over Blackburn. Sources suggest several
pints of Pedigree, half a Ringwood's Boondoggle and three bottles of Old
Speckled Hen were wasted in the battle. Those dressing-room rumbles will
have to be sorted out by the next West Ham manager.
Up in the north-east, where no one cares who'll be the next West Ham
manager, Newcastle is revolting [insert your own gag here]. Angry Toon
players have threatened chaos at St James' Park if Kevin Keegan leaves.
Senior players are set to "confront the club's hierarchy". Some may even use
nasty words to express their feelings. Then they'll all get on with it, just
as usual.
If Keegan does end up out on his ear, then Alan Shearer is ready to step up
to the plate. Yes, he'll be dusting himself down, taking a deep breath, and
resting his buttocks on one of the most demanding hotseats in football – the
one opposite Jake Humphries on Football Focus. He'll be telling Jake just
what he thinks of the appointment of Real Zaragoza's Marcelino as the new
Newcastle manager.
Keegan, though, has issued an ultimatum – he wants Dennis Wise sacked, he
wants generic 1980s cop-show villain Tony Jimenez sacked and he wants
complete control of all transfers and contract negotiations. It's that or
he's walking. Just in time to become the next West Ham manager.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carlton Cole in talks on new West Ham contract - The Mirror
By Jim O'Brien 4/09/2008
West Ham striker Carlton Cole wants to pledge his long-term future to the
club and is in talks to sign a new contract. Cole, 24, was strongly linked
with Sunderland on transfer deadline day but the former Chelsea forward has
enjoyed a successful run in the Hammers attack recently because of injuries
to Dean Ashton and Craig Bellamy. Cole has started the first four games
alongside Ashton (right), but knows his chances could be limited after
Bellamy returned from hamstring trouble and the club brought in Italian
international David di Michele from Torino. But the former England Under-21
forward insists he is relishing the competition for places and has no
intentions of leaving Upton Park. Cole said: "I don't want the fans to think
that I want to leave. I am happy at West Ham. I have just become a father
and I don't want to go anywhere. I am really settled in my life and only
want to work hard and do well for West Ham. I am just looking forward to a
bright future and, when the time is right, the deal will be done. "All I am
thinking about is pushing on this season and scoring more goals. That is my
main objective. I am happy with my situation and hopefully I can carry on
playing games and doing my best for West Ham. "When I play, I am happy.
Every time I play for West Ham I try and give 100 per cent.
"Hopefully I can stay fit and be available for selection every game, like I
was last season. "The fans have not seen the best of me. Last season I had
my first proper run of games and I was happy with my tally of appearances -
but I want to add more goals. "Hopefully we can be a potent strikeforce
together, whatever the combination. "Even if we are coming off the bench, we
have got to all pull in the same direction and help each other."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Italian connection could help Di Canio land Hammers dream job - Guardian
Series
8:57am Thursday 4th September 2008
MEDIA reports this morning claim that West Ham legend Paolo Di Canio could
emerge as the early front runner to get the vacant managers job at his
former club thanks to Italian connections with inside Upton Park. Di Canio,
who was hero worshipped during his four year spell with the Irons from 1999,
may well gain valuable support form Hammers Sporting Director Ginluca Nani
in his quest to land his dream job. Nani signed a three year contract with
the club in March 2008 to try and help former boss Alan Curbishley with the
clubs academy, scouting and transfer issues, although he may well be asked
now for his views who should succeed the former Charlton boss.
And while the east Londoners' board would probably prefer to go with the
safer option of either former boss Harry Redknapp, or Croatia coach and
ex-Irons defender Slaven Bilic, the pair appear uninterested in the post.
So although appointing the somewhat controversial Di Canio may seem a risk
to some, the fans who idolised him on the Upton Park terraces would
certainly not see it in the same way. The 40-year-old former Lazio star has
also already passed the coaching courses demanded of top-flight managers and
is believed to have helped fellow Roman Nani, persuade Torino strike star
David Di Michele to join the Hammers on loan for the season.
Fellow Italian and former Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini might be in the
frame as well, although the desire of Di Canio to manage his former club may
just swing it in his favour. "I took the coaching badges in the summer and I
would like to have a job," he told the Sun. "I am waiting for a job in
England because my dream is to come back and I think there are a lot of good
things I can bring. "My dream team is West Ham. I keep the club in my heart.
One day I hope to come back to London and sit on the bench at West Ham."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bilic set for Hammers return after angry Curbishley quits - CityAM
04/09/2008
CROATIA boss Slaven Bilic is being lined up to take over as West Ham manager
after Alan Curbishley resigned in disgust yesterday. Bilic, an Upton Park
favourite during a 16-month spell as a player, has already been sounded
about a return to East London, sources close to the club told City A.M. last
night. The 39-year-old is believed to be keen on a move to the Premier
League, having made an impressive start to his managerial career with his
national team, although there are reservations about his lack of club
experience. "I get calls from England all the time," Bilic said on Monday.
"But I can't say anything about West Ham United." Bilic refused to comment
further yesterday following Curbishley's departure. Curbishley resigned
after little more than 18 months in charge, blaming the club for going back
on promises and making transfer decisions over his head. The last straw for
the former Charlton manager is thought to have been Monday's sale of
defender George McCartney to Sunderland. He is also believed to have been
angered by the decision to offload Anton Ferdinand last week. In a statement
released through the League Managers Association, Curbishley said: "I had an
agreement with the club that I alone would determine the composition of the
squad. However, the club continued to make significant player decisions
without involving me. Such a breach of trust and confidence meant that I had
no option but to leave."
The LMA said that West Ham's "unilateral actions around player transfers"
had caused the rift, and that peace talks in recent days had failed. Reserve
boss Kevin Keen has been placed in temporary charge. Bilic was last night
red-hot favourite to replace Curbishley, whose departure came after the
club's best start to the season for nine years. An uncompromising but classy
centre-back who made 54 appearances for the club before leaving for Everton
in May 1997, Bilic would be a popular choice among Hammers fans. He has
quickly carved out a strong reputation as a manager since taking charge of
his national team in 2006.Croatia qualified for Euro 2008 at England's
expense, beating Steve McClaren's team home and away, before being
eliminated in the quarter-finals on penalties.
BY FRANK DALLERES
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham heading in right direction, insists chairman -
NorthamptonChron.co.uk
West Ham maintain there are "positive" times ahead at Upton Park despite the
resignation of manager Alan Curbishley. The Hammers will now begin the
search for a fifth manager in seven years - with former defender Slaven
Bilic, the Croatia coach, said to top the board's shortlist. The position of
Curbishley - appointed in December 2006 - had been under intense scrutiny
for some time, although West Ham had opened the new campaign with two wins
from three Barclays Premier League matches, which went some way to placating
the club's supporters. Hammers chairman and owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson
maintains the east London club are heading in the right direction. "In my
first full season as chairman of this great football club, I can assure our
loyal supporters that we are working hard to bring sustained success to West
Ham United," he said "Everyone, including the chief executive and board, is
committed to this common goal. "We have a long-term strategy that takes into
account all aspects of West Ham United's past, present and future and we
will not be deterred. "Our fans can look forward to many positive years on
and off the pitch."
Curbishley, 50, had presided over what was a remarkable escape from
relegation on the final day of the 2006/2007 campaign with victory at
Manchester United courtesy of a goal from controversial signing Carlos
Tevez, and expectations were raised of rapid improvement backed by
significant investment, but only a 10th-place finish followed last season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Opinion: Why Alan Curbishley can walk away from West Ham with his head held
high - The Mirror
Martin Lipton Chief Football Writer 4/09/2008
Done on a point of principle, swiftly and with dignity. Alan Curbishley's
departure may not have left them crying on Green Street but the manner of
his exit said far more about the man than anything else. Curbishley jumped
before he was pushed, and went with sympathy. Where Newcastle were spending
a second day dragging all of Tyneside into the chaos over whether Kevin
Keegan will be officially sacked or leave of his own accord, Curbishley went
the right way. While Keegan and Mike Ashley continued their ridiculous
divorce proceedings, drawing the long-suffering Toon Army into the St James'
Park morass, Curbishley went about it differently.
He had been through enough and so decided to end it on the spot. It hurt,
painfully. As he wistfully admitted: "There were a couple of clubs
interested in me but once the West Ham job came up it was the only one I was
going to take. "I was delighted and honoured to take it on, even at a
difficult time. I come from Canning Town, played for West Ham as a youngster
and it was a privilege to go back as a manager. "If the new stadium does get
off the ground, I was brought up 50 yards away. I'm responsible for the team
and performances and results, and I think I took the criticism that was
coming in a dignified manner. "But I do know the West Ham fans. If we get it
right they're second to none. I was taking that on the chin and tried my
best to turn it around."
He did and statistically he was a success. Survival when nobody gave him a
chance in his first season, 10th last year, currently fifth. Yet as he
sensed the ground was being pulled from beneath his feet, Curbishley fronted
up and lanced the growing boil by calling his summit meeting with chief
executive Scott Duxbury to hand in his resignation. No messing around, no
plea for cash, and while he will get a payoff of about £1million, it is far
less than he would have been owed had he hung around for the inevitable axe
to drop before explaining his reasons at length, letting the cameras in to
take the shots they needed. He should not be criticised for that. Too often,
managers turn their departures into dramas. Curbishley merely walked away
with his head held high, honourably and with more respect than many had
given him during his stay at the helm. Out of West Ham but surely not out of
football.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Croatia boss Slaven Bilic favourite to replace Alan Curbishley at West Ham -
The Mirror
By Martin Lipton 4/09/2008
Croatia coach Slaven Bilic will face a storm of speculation ahead of the
World Cup qualifier with England after being tipped to replace Alan
Curbishley at West Ham.
Curbishley quit for a likely £1million pay-off less than 48 hours after the
transfer window closed to become the first managerial casualty of the
season. And while the West Ham board have yet to draw up a formal shortlist,
one-time Upton Park defender Bilic and former Lazio and Inter Milan boss
Roberto Mancini are the leading contenders. Bilic has attempted to distance
himself from growing suggestions that he is being lined-up for a return to
the East End, insisting he has a contract with Croatia to take him up to the
2010 World Cup. But Curbishley's departure means Bilic will come under
increasing pressure to declare his hand ahead of the England game. Bilic,
with his links to the club, certainly fits the profile with West Ham
insiders revealing they are looking for somebody with "proven experience" as
a manager.
Senior figures at Upton Park were discounting the idea of crowd favourite
Paolo Di Canio making a stunning return to the club, although the Italian
admitted last night: "My dream team is West Ham. I keep the club in my
heart. One day I hope to come back and sit on the bench at West Ham."
Di Canio has been suggested as a possible junior partner for another
Italian, former Cagliari coach Davide Ballardini, who is close to the club's
technical director Gianluca Nani. Ballardini said: "I do not know about the
situation at West Ham. There has been no contact."
Nani is also a very close friend of Mancini, sacked in the summer despite
leading Inter to successive Serie A crowns and who is keen on the chance to
prove himself in the Premier League. Former Chelsea manager Avram Grant is
understood to be off the West Ham radar although he would be very keen on
the chance to prove his qualities. Ex-Hammers boss Harry Redknapp is another
target, but Portsmouth are likely to fend off any approach.
WEST HAM MANAGERS
Kevin Keen (caretaker) Sept 2008 - present
Alan Curbishley Dec 2006 - Sept 2008
Kevin Keen (caretaker) Dec 2006
Alan Pardew Oct 2003 - Dec 2006
Trevor Brooking (ct) Aug 2003 - Oct 2003
Glenn Roeder July 2003 - Aug 2003
Trevor Brooking (ct) Apr 2003 - May 2003
Glenn Roeder May 2001 - Apr 2003
Harry Redknapp Aug 1994 - May 2001
Billy Bonds Feb 1990 - Aug 1994
Lou Macari July 1989 - Feb 1990
John Lyall Aug 1974 - June 1989
Ron Greenwood Mar 1961 - Aug 1974
Ted Fenton Aug 1950 - Mar 1961
Charlie Paynter Nov 1932 - Aug 1950
Syd King April 1902 - Nov 1932
WHO IS GETTING CURBISHLEY'S JOB?
S Bilic 3/1, H Redknapp 6/1, S Allardyce 8/1, S Pearce 10/1, L Van Gaal
12/1, G Hoddle 12/1, R Martinez 12/1, G Poyet 12/1, T Venables 14/1, P Di
Canio 14/1, R Mancini 14/1, D Moyes 14/1, R Gullit 14/1 (William Hill odds)
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