A statement has been released following press reports about West Ham United
10.03.2008
The Board of West Ham United recognise that recent results have been
disappointing and frustrating for everyone connected to the Club. However,
there is no question of Alan Curbishley's future as manager being called
into doubt. Alan, his staff and the players have done well to put the Club
into the top half of the table, despite a massive injury list, and they have
the full support of the Board.
Of course, there are challenges to be met and further improvements needed to
keep the Club moving forward. The Board will work with Alan to ensure that
the progress we have made is maintained and built on to deliver success and
long-term stability for West Ham United.
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Ashton eager to face Blackburn - WHUFC
Dean Ashton was back in the first eleven on Sunday and wants more chances to
show what he can do
10.03.2008
Dean Ashton was delighted to be back in the starting lineup for West Ham
United at Tottenham Hotspur and will hope to get another chance to impress
from the off against Blackburn Rovers this weekend.
After three substitute appearances, Ashton joined fit-again Bobby Zamora in
a two-pronged attack and, particularly in the opening minutes at White Hart
Lane, looked sharp. However, the dismissal of Luis Boa Morte just before
half-time forced a rethink with Zamora moving out to the left wing and
leaving Ashton up front on his own. "[The partnership] didn't last very long
because Bobby had to go out on the left wing ... I wanted to make an
impression but sadly I couldn't."
The 24-year-old No9 had always seemed the most likely to score though and
got a good reception from the travelling support when he finally made way
for Carlton Cole on 77 minutes. "I am pleased to have started but obviously
disappointed not to have got a good result. It is always going to help to
start so you can get yourself into the game. It is very difficult coming on
as a sub because the game is already into a flow and things may have
happened before that."
Ashton has played in 22 league games this season - having missed all of the
previous campaign with an ankle injury and suffered six weeks out last
autumn with a knee problem. Half of those appearances have come off the
bench but he is still the club's leading top-flight scorer with five goals.
One of those was the winner at Blackburn Rovers on 9 December and Ashton
would dearly love a repeat when Mark Hughes' side make the return trip this
Saturday, claiming: "We have to get back on track against Blackburn.
He added: "It is three bad results and if we carry on like that we are going
to have a poor end to the season. We don't want that. We want to make sure
we are at least in the top half of the table and really push on to the end
of the season. Hopefully it is just a bad week against some good teams and
we can get back to what we do best on Saturday."
A positive result would move the club to within three points of their
visitors and also go some way to dimming the memory of the Tottenham loss
that ended a tough week. "We know that is not good enough, especially
because it was a local derby. We have got to be doing better than that. The
two early goals killed the game. They can pass the ball very well and after
the sending off as well it was nigh on impossible. I thought we kept going
in the second half but it is very tough going when you are down to ten men."
Ashton also had a word for the supporters, who also kept going until the end
despite the events unfolding in front of them. "They are always brilliant -
especially away from home," he said. "They always get behind us - but they
are right to vent their frustrations because that is three 4-0s in a row. We
know it is not good enough and they are more than entitled to have their
say. I am just disappointed we couldn't give them something to shout about."
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Reserve match postponed - WHUFC
The home reserve-team game against Derby County at Bishop's Stortford has
been called off
10.03.2008
West Ham United's reserve game against Derby County scheduled on Monday
evening was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.
The game was to be played at the Woodside Park home of Bishop's Stortford at
7pm. West Ham United are third in the southern section of the Barclays
Premier Reserve League, two points behind leaders Aston Villa and a point
adrift of Reading - although both teams have a game in hand.
With the Derby fixture to be rearranged, Kevin Keen's men are also due to
welcome Reading on 18 March before finishing up the campaign with trips to
Brentford and Barnet to take on Chelsea and Arsenal on 31 March and 21 April
respectively. whufc.com will have details of the new Derby date as soon as
confirmed.
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West Ham board backs Curbishley - BBC
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley has received the backing of his board
following three successive 4-0 defeats. The Hammers sit in 10th position in
the Premier League after heavy losses to Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham.
"The board of West Ham recognise that recent results have been disappointing
and frustrating for everyone connected to the club," a statement said.
"However, there is no question of Alan Curbishley's future as manager being
called into doubt."
West Ham's squad has been hit by a series of injuries this season but the
recent run of poor results have brought Curbishley's management style under
scrutiny. The statement added: "Alan, his staff and the players have done
well to put the club into the top half of the table, despite a massive
injury list, and they have the full support of the board. "Of course, there
are challenges to be met and further improvements needed to keep the club
moving forward.
"The board will work with Alan to ensure that the progress we have made is
maintained and built on to deliver success and long-term stability for West
Ham."
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Board: Curbs has our 'full support' - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 10th March 2008
By: Staff Writer
Alan Curbishley has received the dreaded 'vote of confidence' from the board
of West Ham United. A short statement released on whufc.com this afternoon
confirmed that Curbishley's long term future has never been in doubt despite
rumours to the contrary this weekend. "The Board of West Ham United
recognise that recent results have been disappointing and frustrating for
everyone connected to the Club," read the statement. "However, there is no
question of Alan Curbishley's future as manager being called into doubt.
"Alan, his staff and the players have done well to put the Club into the top
half of the table, despite a massive injury list, and they have the full
support of the Board. Of course, there are challenges to be met and further
improvements needed to keep the Club moving forward. "The Board will work
with Alan to ensure that the progress we have made is maintained and built
on to deliver success and long-term stability for West Ham United."
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Stiffs off - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 10th March 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's reserve fixture with Derby County has been postponed due
to a waterlogged pitch.
Kevin Keen's Hammers were due to face the Rams at Bishops Stortford's
Woodside Park ground tonight but the fixture has been cancelled as a result
of torrential rain which has been falling all day, making the surface
unplayable.
West Ham are currently third in the Premier Reserve League South behind
leaders Aston Villa and Reading, both of whom have a game in hand on Keen's
side.
Reading - who went second last week with a 2-1 win at Chelsea - are due to
face Tottenham tonight whilst leaders Villa face Arsenal in a rearranged
fixture having been beaten 3-0 by Spurs in their most recent outing.
Premier Reserve League South - current table (top)
1. Aston Villa P13 Pts27 GD+20
2. Reading P13 Pts26 GD+17
3. West Ham Utd P14 Pts25 GD+14
4. Fulham P14 Pts22 GD+1
West Ham Utd reserves: remaining fixtures
Tuesday, 18 March: West Ham United v Reading
Monday, 31 March: Chelsea v West Ham United
Monday, 21 April: Arsenal v West Ham United
to be confirmed: West Ham United v Derby
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Curbs suffers sleepless nights - SSN
Hammers boss determined to resolve poor form
Last updated: 11th March 2008
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley is suffering from sleepless nights
after three consecutive 4-0 defeats. Pressure has mounted on Curbishley
after his side slumped to 4-0 losses against Chelsea, Liverpool and
Tottenham Hotspur. And the Hammers manager, who received the board's backing
on Monday, has conceded that the results have left him with an uneasy
feeling. "I never expected those three results," he said in the Daily
Express. "It has been a horrible week for me, the players and the fans, but
there has been no board meeting about it, no players' meeting either. "For
me, it's the sleepless nights again; the knot of anxiety in the stomach, but
it goes with the job. I have to stay strong."
Curbishley went on to bemoan the increased expectation levels placed on his
side, which saw many tip The Hammers to secure a top-six finish this term.
West Ham narrowly missing out on relegation last campaign and Curbishley
admits that he has paid the price for high spending and an unfortunate
number of injuries. "What has happened in the last couple of weeks does
leave me bitterly disappointed, so can we get some facts straight," he
continued. "Over the last 20 years, although a lot of time has been spent in
the top division, West Ham have had an average league position of 13th.
"This year, expectation levels have bee lifted and I understand that.
"During the close season we spent £7million on players, not forgetting what
we laid out during the window trying to stay up, which made a total of
£25million. "No sooner had we survived than I read last summer people were
expecting us to reach a European place. "But from the day we started
pre-season training we have lost nearly all of those we brought in through
injury. I still have not been able to field my strongest side."
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Curbs backed by board - SSN
Following a hat-trick of miserable defeats
Last updated: 10th March 2008
West Ham's board has come out to back manager Alan Curbishley following an
unwanted hat-trick of 4-0 defeats. March has proved to be a miserable month
for the Hammers, with games against Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham seeing
them concede 12 goals without reply. At a time of the season when West Ham
would have hoped to have kicked-on to compete for a European place, the club
have faltered alarmingly. Curbishley will point to a congested treatment
room at Upton Park as part-explanation for the slump and it would seem, for
now at least, the club's board concur. "The board of West Ham recognise that
recent results have been disappointing and frustrating for everyone
connected to the club," the statement read. However, there is no question of
Alan Curbishley's future as manager being called into doubt. "Alan, his
staff and the players have done well to put the club into the top half of
the table, despite a massive injury list, and they have the full support of
the board. "Of course, there are challenges to be met and further
improvements needed to keep the club moving forward. "The board will work
with Alan to ensure that the progress we have made is maintained and built
on to deliver success and long-term stability for West Ham."
Moving the club forward will involve Curbishley and chief executive Scott
Duxbury meeting Gianluca Nani, who is set to be appointed technical
director.
Curbishley was part of the selection panel to choose Nani for a role that
will include looking at the academy and player recruitment.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton keen to impress - SSN
Striker out to take his chance
By Chris Burton Last updated: 10th March 2008
Dean Ashton is hoping to be involved from the start once again when West Ham
face Blackburn on Saturday. The striker returned to the Hammers' first team
for the weekend defeat at Tottenham and hopes to have done enough to
persuade boss Alan Curbishley that he is deserving of an extended run in the
side. The England hopeful was partnered up front by the fit-again Bobby
Zamora, although both players saw their roles change following the dismissal
of Luis Boa Morte just before half-time. "(The partnership) didn't last very
long because Bobby had to go out on the left wing," Ashton told the club's
official website. "I wanted to make an impression but sadly I couldn't. "I
am pleased to have started but obviously disappointed not to have got a good
result. "It is always going to help to start so you can get yourself into
the game. It is very difficult coming on as a sub because the game is
already into a flow and things may have happened before that." The 4-0
reverse at White Hart was the third time the Hammers have lost by that
scoreline in the space of nine days, a run of results which Ashton is keen
to see end against Rovers this weekend. "We have got to get back on track
against Blackburn," he said. "It is three bad results and if we carry on
like that we are going to have a poor end to the season. "We don't want
that. We want to make sure that we are at least in the top half of the table
and really push on to the end of the season. "Hopefully it is just a bad
week against some good teams and we can get back to what we do best on
Saturday."
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Come On Curbs! - West Ham Online
Alex V - Mon Mar 10 2008
Alan Curbishley is having to put up with a lot of stick at the moment, and I
think most of it is utterly unreasonable and unmerited. Three such heavy
defeats in the space of a week is of course utterly unacceptable, and
Curbishley and his players should be made to know that. But the bigger
picture looks far more rosy, and I think West Ham and its supporters would
be utterly insane to let knee-jerk frustration cloud the picture.
West Ham are currently on target for somewhere between 50 and 55 points by
the end of the season, which would be just about comparable with West Ham's
best seasons in the Premiership - we got 57 in Redknapp's best year for 5th,
and 55 in Roeder's season where we finished 7th. It's worth remembering
where we were when Curbishley took over - in very serious contention for
relegation. Comparing that to where we are now - is there another
Premiership club that has undertook such a major positive change in fortunes
in the last 15 months? There isn't one - in points terms we are the most
improved side in the Premiership BEYOND ANY DOUBT!
Of course many would argue that Curbishley has spent a lot of money to get
there, and certainly in simple terms he has spent more money on his team in
a short period than any other West Ham manager. But that's a very simplistic
way of looking at it, and misrepresents what he has actually done. In
Premiership terms Curbishley's spending is far from excessive, and you have
to take into account where he started from when he took over at the club.
He did spend about 17 million in January of last year - we were absolutely
desperate and the club made a very worthwhile gamble to try and survive in
the league, forced to buy in the inflated January market. A lot of people
have criticised the signing of Luis Boa Morte then and since, but what was
Curbishley's alternative at the time? I have not seen a single viable
alternative put forward - Curbishley bought a player who at his best was
brilliant for Fulham, a real matchwinner, a very worthwhile gamble I think.
People were just as vocal about the supposedly poor signing of Upson, but he
has been undoubtedly West Ham's best player this season and a brilliant
signing. Quashie and Neill definitely played a part in our survival.
In the Summer our 'official' spend was just £9.2 million, once you take the
sales into account - this is a very modest transfer budget by Premiership
standards, particularly when you look at what our direct competitors have
done. Look at Man City - £30 million plus spent since Eriksson joined the
club. Redknapp at Portsmouth - £30 mil+ in the same period as Curbishley.
And there are just 5 points between West Ham and these clubs in the
Premiership. Could anyone look at these figures and hand on heart say that
there is any evidence that Curbishley has done a worse job than Redknapp at
Portsmouth or Erikkson at Man City?
One criticism is that Curbishley made a huge mistake by buying players
susceptible to injuries, and there may be something in that. But to really
make that claim, you have to look at the market that Curbishley was trading
in. For each of the players that Curbishley decided to invest in, were there
obvious alternatives with a better injury record?
Take Bellamy for example - there can be little doubt that Curbishley wanted
either Darren Bent or Andy Johnson through preference, but Bellamy was still
a much-envied purchase. It was widely thought that if we hadn't bought
Bellamy, the obvious next choice would have to be David Nugent almost by
default - it wasn't a market teeming with opportunities. Should Curbishley
have bought Nugent on the basis he was more likely to stay fit? Of course
not - Bellamy was absolutely the best choice available, even with his injury
record.
I think the truth is that Curbishley would have preferred to buy more
reliable players, but just didn't feel like he had an option last Summer.
There is absolutely no doubt that we have been incredibly unlucky with
injuries - the injuries to Dyer and Faubert were clearly not reactions to
any long-term problems. And I think personally that Parker, Ljungberg and
Bellamy all had more than enough ability to be worthwhile gambles, if indeed
there even was any reason to suspect they would suffer further injuries. It
could be that all of these players had a clean bill of health and that we
have just been excessively unlucky.
I think a genuine criticism of Curbishley is that he just doesn't seem to
have the connections abroad that I think a team aiming for the top should
have. The top clubs in the league seem to have tabs on the best young
players in the World, and I'm not convinced that West Ham have that sort of
scouting and information network at their fingertips. But at the same time
that isn't necessarily Curbishley's fault, and I am presuming that the
appointment of the new director of football will be at least partially an
attempt to address that. There is no doubt that this is a key area that we
are quite obviously weak in, which must be sorted out as a priority.
The biggest criticism of Curbishley is one of style - too often this season
we have produced a dour brand of football, and have eked out results not by
outplaying the opposition, but by digging in and nicking the odd goal. But I
think the important question is this - if you'd have been told that for much
of the season our forward line would have to consist of Carlton Cole playing
up front on his own, where would you expect us to be in the table? How
expansive would you expect our football to be? In my opinion Curbishley has
perfectly pitched our formation and playing style to the players that he had
available, and dug out a very respectable league position with an incredibly
limited squad of fit players. It sounds awful to say it after three defeats,
but up until the last week I would have described our team as the most
resilient and hard-working I had ever seen at West Ham.
If you look at his squad at face value, Curbishley has produced Premiership
safety effectively using a proportion of last year's squad minus its best
players - Tevez, Benayoun and Reo-Coker. How can that be seen as anything
but a triumph under the circumstances? It's impossible to understate just
what an achievement that is. How can we be justified in moaning at a manager
who looks like getting close to matching our best points haul in the
Premiership, largely using the weaker parts of a squad that was nearly
relegated last season?
The criticism of the 4-5-1 system is particularly blinkered I think. In the
top half of the table I think only Villa consistently stick with 2 up front
(and I could be wrong about that) - in particular Chelsea, Everton, Man City
and Portsmouth rely on it week-in week-out to great success. To say that it
is negative is utter nonsense - what formation did Chelsea just beat us
with? Arsenal have produced some of the best football I have ever seen in
recent years predominantly using a 4-5-1 system. The real issue here is why
any manager would choose to favour playing 2 up front - I certainly think
West Ham look far more predictable in a 4-4-2 these days.
I don't think we have seen enough of Curbishley with all his options at his
disposal - we have seen a season where all of Curbishley's selections have
largely been forced on him. So to make decisions on what sort of manager he
is, and what sort of football he favours, is absolute nonsense at this
stage.
Actually I think there are good signs in the football that we have been
playing. I think we have played more possession football through the
midfield than we have for many a year, and though we have struggled to turn
that possession into clear attacking opportunities which has been
frustrating, I think there are plenty of signals that Curbishley intends to
build a ball-playing, attacking, dynamic team here at West Ham. All of his
Summer signings were ball-players - Dyer, Solano, Ljungberg, Parker and
Bellamy. He just hasn't been able to call on any of those - I think
Curbishley has yet to put out a first 11 that is anywhere near the first
team that he envisaged in the Summer.
So at this stage we only have part of the story with Curbishley - he has
proved he can consolidate a safe position within the Premiership despite a
major injury crisis. Well done Alan Curbishley - I think under a lot of
managers we would be deep in relegation trouble under the same
circumstances.
What Curbishley needs is his players fit, and the chance to then provide a
more inspiring and progressive set of performances that can let everyone
know just what his side is capable of. I think he is desperate to do that,
but until he has his players ready he cannot do it. What he doesn't need is
damnation from the support who I feel are being totally unreasonable about
the progress we have made and the injuries the squad has had to deal with.
And the media seems very clever at picking up on these stirrings within the
support, and I expect a bit of a campaign in the gutter press will now put
some pressure on Curbishley, and also on the players and the chairman.
There's a possibility that it might help us actually from petering out with
little to play for this season, but more likely it will destabilise the
club, put everyone under unwanted pressure, and basically create a crisis
where there just doesn't need to be one.
Do not pretend for one moment that Curbishley has not taken this club
forward - I have never heard a more preposterous idea in my life! What
Curbishley has done at West Ham United is being constantly underrated by our
fans and others. And I don't think his work should be derailed by three bad
performances in three tough fixtures - I'm utterly confident that Curbishley
and his players can put us back on course and continue the progress we have
undoubtedly made over the last year.
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West Ham's qualified backing for Alan Curbishley - the Times
Gary Jacob
Alan Curbishley has received the backing of the West Ham United board after
three consecutive 4-0 defeats, the latest humiliation coming against
Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on Sunday. The manager is under no
immediate threat of dismissal, but there are enough concerns about results
that the board will review the situation over the coming months.
The board is keen to avoid any kneejerk reaction to performances, although
Curbishley's odds of being the next Barclays Premier League manager to be
dismissed have tumbled in the past few days. Slaven Bilic, the Croatia coach
and former West Ham player, would be among the candidates.
"The board of West Ham United recognise that recent results have been
disappointing and frustrating," a statement from the club said. "However,
there is no question of Alan Curbishley's future as manager being called
into doubt. Alan, his staff and the players have done well to put the club
into the top half of the table, despite a massive injury list, and they have
the full support of the board. Of course, there are challenges to be met and
further improvements needed to keep moving forward."
West Ham are, however, expected to announce the appointment soon of Gianluca
Nani as their technical director. Nani has agreed a three-year deal and will
leave his post as general manager of Brescia, the Serie B club, at the end
of the season. The Italian's duties would include finding players and
conducting transfers.
Curbishley brought players in for extra training on their scheduled day off
yesterday. The former Charlton Athletic manager believes that the players
may have "hit a wall" after a spate of injuries. He has pointed to his team
having conceded only 23 goals in 26 league matches until they were beaten by
Chelsea ten days ago and that Robert Green, the goalkeeper, and Matthew
Upson and Anton Ferdinand, the defenders, were in contention for call-ups to
the England squad. Upson did return to the England side for the friendly
against Switzerland last month after a four-year absence.
Fabio Capello, the England manager, sent Franco Baldini, the national team's
general manager, to White Hart Lane on Sunday to watch several players.
Green could do little about the Tottenham goals or those scored by Liverpool
at Anfield four days earlier. "In the past week, I wouldn't say I've had one
saveable one, really," Green said. "It's been immensely frustrating, but
you've just got to look at yourself, as have the rest of the guys, and
think, 'What else can I be doing for the team?'
"I've looked at all 12 goals and you start questioning yourself, but you've
got to keep believing that you're doing the right things. You need to listen
to criticism because that's how you learn and get better. We've got a hell
of a lot to learn from this week. If someone turns to me and says, 'You
could do this' in a certain situation, then I'll take it on board."
Despite the goals conceded, West Ham's real problems may lie at the opposite
end of the pitch. The midfield has appeared sterile and pedestrian, and Dean
Ashton and Carlton Cole have not gelled as an attacking partnership. "We've
had three bad results and everyone is going to get flak for it — we're under
no illusions about that," Green said. "It can't really get any worse. I
can't remember a week in football like it, nor can many of the other lads in
the dressing-room."
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West Ham show support for struggling Curbishley - Independent
Tuesday, 11 March 2008
Alan Curbishley will fly to to Milan today to discuss the club's transfer
plans for the summer with Gianluca Nani, who is to be West Ham United's
first technical director. The meeting is a clear sign that Curbishley,
despite being under pressure after a poor run of form, is expected to
survive as the club's manager beyond this season.
Curbishley is due to be accompanied on the flight by the club's chief
executive, Scott Duxbury, who has helped negotiate the deal to bring the
highly-rated Nani from the Italian club Brescia to Upton Park. A formal
announcement of Nani's appointment is due next week.
The West Ham board met after Sunday's 4-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur – the
third successive match that the Hammers have been beaten by that scoreline –
to discuss how to deal with the fall-out and the pressure on Curbishley. The
players were called in for extra training at 9am yesterday, which was due to
be their day off.
Last night the board reacted by issuing a statement of support for the
manager. In it they said there was "no question" of Curbishley's future
"being called into doubt" despite the "disappointing and frustrating" recent
results. The statement went on: "Alan, his staff and the players have done
well to put the club into the top half of the table, despite a massive
injury list, and they have the full support of the board."
West Ham are aware that the statement may be interpreted as the dreaded
"vote of confidence" for Curbishley, who has, at times, struggled to gain
the support of the fans and some of the squad, but are adamant that the
sentiment is genuine. One source said there needed to be a sense of
"perspective" on what Curbishley had achieved in bringing stability to the
club and there had been no talk of him being replaced.
Nani is currently general manager at Brescia, who have been in Serie B for
the past four years. He will be involved in the scouting and recruitment of
players as well as the overhaul of West Ham's facilities – from the medical
set-up to the training ground. Nani will also oversee the development of the
proposed new 60,000-seat stadium next to West Ham underground station.
His brief is to work alongside Curbishley with the club at pains to stress
that the manager was fully involved in the interview process and has "hit it
off" with Nani.
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Green Urges Fans To Back Curbs - goal.com
West Ham United and England goalkeeper Robert Green has said that despite
the players' disappointment with their current run of form, the fans
criticising manager Alan Curbishley will only make things worse, following
recent rumours the experienced tactician's job is hanging in the balance...
West Ham have now lost 4-0 three times in a row with Tottenham, Liverpool
and Chelsea delivering the blows respectively.
These are worthy foes as any, but to lose in such a manner three times in
the bounce is quite clearly unforgivable. The man who has had to fish the
ball out of his net an unsavoury 12 times in this last 270 minutes of
football is Robert Green, which is most unfortunate for the man touted by
many as the outstanding goalkeeper in the league this season.
Playing his part off the pitch, he has insisted that there is no good to be
gained from turning on manager Alan Curbishley, who earned a reputation as a
weak finisher to a league season during his lengthy spell at Charlton.
The keeper also vented his frustration and disappointment at seeing fans
leave the ground early during recent games, insisting it does nothing but
demoralise the players, though he understands their feelings just as well.
"It won't help to turn on the manager," declared Green. "I don't think it
would help anyone. You can understand the frustration and the disappointment
with the performances that have been put in. It hurt us because two out of
the three came against London rivals. It is not what you associate with West
Ham United, losing games like that.
"The lads are bitterly disappointed. We played Chelsea last week and it is
disappointing when you turn around and are playing the last 20 minutes to
half a crowd.
"We played against Tottenham this weekend and you look towards the West Ham
fans with five minutes to go and it is half full, but rightly so. People
vote with their feet and it is disappointing for everyone. It has been a
horrific week and everyone will get flak for it. We are under no illusions
about that.
"But we are in 10th place and it is a massive step in the right direction
from where we were last year. We can go and do something about that until
the end of the season."
Despite the slump, West Ham still have a fairly comfortable hold of tenth
place in the league — currently on 40 points — and will be looking forward
to hanging onto it to secure a top-half finish, despite Tottenham, the
latest side to embarrass them, potentially at their heels during the run-in.
Chet Winter, Goal.com
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West Ham board 'support' Alan Curbishley - Telegraph
By Jeremy Wilson & Martin Smith
Last Updated: 12:37am GMT 11/03/2008
The West Ham United board yesterday took the unusual step of issuing a
statement to declare their "full support" for the club's manager, Alan
Curbishley.
Successive 4-0 defeats against Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham have not
only ended any realistic hopes of qualifying for Europe, but also placed the
former Charlton manager's position under the microscope.
The board are aware of sceptics who question Curbishley's ability to guide
them beyond the mid-table respectability that he often accomplished with
Charlton, but are opposed to any knee-jerk reaction.
Although their statement said that further improvements were needed to keep
the club moving forward, there is a strong feeling among directors that
Curbishley merits support for the way he has stabilised the club after the
upheavals of last season.
"The board of West Ham United recognise that recent results have been
disappointing and frustrating for everyone connected to the club," said
yesterday's statement.
"However, there is no question of Alan Curbishley's future as manager being
called into doubt. Alan, his staff and the players have done well to put the
club into the top half of the table, despite a massive injury list, and they
have the full support of the board. Of course, there are challenges to be
met and further improvements needed to keep the club moving forward."
West Ham can also point to the recent appointment of technical director
Gianluca Nani as evidence of Curbishley's job security. Curbishley was given
the final say over the precise role of Nani, whose responsibilities will
include working on youth development, the scouting system and improving the
club's training facilities.
Recent results, however, have sent West Ham fans' websites into overdrive,
with blame being shared between Eggert Magnusson, the former chairman, and
Curbishley.
Magnusson is critcised not only for appointing Curbishley, but for stoking
up expectations in the summer. The unease among supporters has prompted
goalkeeper Robert Green to make a plea for unity.
"I don't think it will help anybody if the fans turned on us. I understand
their frustrations and the performances that have been put in," he said. "We
played Chelsea and for the last 20 minutes it was in front of a half-empty
stadium. We played at White Hart Lane, I looked over at the West Ham fans
and it was half-full. Rightly so. People vote with their feet.
"But we are in 10th place and that's a massive step in the right direction
from where we were last season. We can go and do something about that during
the rest of the season and push on. But, yes, we will take some stick over
this latest result." Curbishley, under pressure over his signings and style
of play, said: "What could go wrong, is going wrong for us. It has been a
dreadful week, but we have got to regroup. There has been criticism that we
haven't scored too many, but that's get back to some clean sheets. That is
what we need."
West Ham fans are frustrated with Curbishley's continued reliance on just
one player up front, which often leaves leading striker Dean Ashton on the
bench. Ashton started alongside Bobby Zamora on Sunday, until Luis Boa
Morte's dismissal meant a shake-up, but half his 22 appearances have been as
a substitute.
West Ham's defending has Green worried. "I have watched all 12 goals go in,"
he said, "and you start asking yourself questions. Over the week I don't
think I've had one goal I could have saved. It is a collective thing, not an
individual issue. We have a hell of a lot to learn from this week."
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BG & Curbs fly to Milan to Discuss Summer Transfer Targets with Gianluca
Nani - CmonYuIrons.com
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson & Curbishley leave for Milan today to visit Gianluca
Nani.
After receiving a vote of confidence from BG and most of the board, Curbs
will keep his position as manager for the foreseeable future, BG understands
that Curbs has done all he can so far, considering the amount of injuries he
has to cope with, and sees Curbs as the manager that will take us forward,
maybe not this season, but seasons to follow.
Today, they both fly of to Milan to hold discussions with Nani about what
future signings he has shortlisted for the coming season, Luca Toni from
Bayern Munich being one of these presumed transfer targets.
Luca Toni became a target for Nani, due to his unhappiness at lack of 1st
team games with his club, but now Toni's 1st team place has been reignited
and has recently scored important winning goals for Bayern putting the club
clear leaders in the Bundesliga, so chances of towing Toni from Bayern will
be slim, unless he has a desire to play Premiership football in England or a
very good wage package as usual.
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Ashton hopes for West Ham starting run
tribalfooball.com - March 10, 2008
Dean Ashton hopes to see more action for West Ham after starting in Sunday's
defeat to Tottenham. The striker told whufc.com: "I am pleased to have
started but obviously disappointed not to have got a good result. It is
always going to help to start so you can get yourself into the game. It is
very difficult coming on as a sub because the game is already into a flow
and things may have happened before that.
"It is three bad results and if we carry on like that we are going to have a
poor end to the season. We don't want that. We want to make sure we are at
least in the top half of the table and really push on to the end of the
season. Hopefully it is just a bad week against some good teams and we can
get back to what we do best on Saturday."
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Ashton facing likely West Ham exit
tribalfooball.com - March 10, 2008
Dean Ashton is likely to leave West Ham United if manager Alan Curbishley
remains in charge. The Daily Mail says Ashton worked as hard as any West Ham
player in Sunday's thrashing at White Hart Lane but his golden touch has
deserted him, while a fractious relationship with his manager suggests the
£7.5million signing from Norwich could be on his way in the summer.
Ashton earns £23,000 a week, far behind the likes of Bellamy, Dyer and,
notably, Freddie Ljungberg - who has done little to justify his
£80,000-a-week deal since joining from Arsenal last summer.
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Bilic in frame for West Ham job
tribalfootball.com - March 10, 2008
Croatia coach Slaven Bilic is being linked with Alan Curbishley's job at
West Ham United.
The Hammers gave Curbishley an official vote of confidence yesterday, but
the Daily Mail says should they continue to founder, Bilic would become a
firm favourite to replace Curbishley once the former Upton Park favourite
has guided Croatia through this summer's European Championship.
Icelandic owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson and his board have concerns which
stretch beyond the recent drubbings at the hands of Chelsea, Liverpool and
Tottenham. Reports of player dissatisfaction with Curbishley's training
ground methods have not gone unnoticed.
In addition, eyebrows have been raised about why, under the chairmanship of
former ally Eggert Magnusson, Curbishley chose to gamble vast transfer fees
and wages on players like Craig Bellamy, Kieron Dyer and Scott Parker, whose
careers have been interrupted by injury.
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West Ham to announce Nani appointmemt
tribalfootball.com - March 11, 2008
West Ham United are close to announcing the appointment of Gianluca Nani as
technical director. The Times says Nani has agreed a three-year deal and
will leave his post as general manager of Brescia, the Serie B club, at the
end of the season. The Italian's duties would include finding players and
conducting transfers.
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West Ham No1 Green reflects on horror week
tribalfootball.com - March 11, 2008
West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green admits it's tough going after
conceding 12 goals in the last three games.
Green, 28, said: "It has been a horrific week and everyone will get flak for
it. I don't think I've had a week like it in football and the same probably
goes for most of the other lads.
"This Saturday, against Blackburn, we need to show some character and put in
a performance in front of our fans. I've watched all 12 goals go in and you
start asking yourself questions.
"You must keep believing you're doing the right things. Over the last week,
I don't think I've had one goal I could have saved.
"It has been very frustrating and you have to look at yourself, along with
the rest of the guys, and wonder what else I could be doing for the team. It
is a collective thing, not an individual issue. We have to keep our heads
and keep going.
"If someone turns to me and says 'You could do this in that situation', I
will listen and take it on board.
"It is a case of being professional. We have a hell of a lot to learn from
this week.
"I don't think it would help anybody if the fans turned on us. I understand
their frustrations and the performances that have been put in. It hurts. Two
out of three were against London rivals and that is not what you associate
with West Ham United, losing games like this.
"The lads are bitterly disappointed. We played Chelsea and for the last 20
minutes it was in front of a half-empty Upton Park. At White Hart Lane, I
looked over at the West Ham fans towards the end. It was half-full - and
rightly so.
"People vote with their feet. But hopefully we can go and do something about
it during the rest of the season and push on."
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West Ham look to Slaven Bilic over Curbishley - Telegraph
By Rod Gilmour
Last Updated: 8:44am GMT 11/03/2008
West Ham are planning a summer bid for Croatia's Slaven Bilic, despite the
Upton Park board issuing a statement to declare their "full support" for the
current incumbent, Alan Curbishley. Successive 4-0 defeats against Chelsea,
Liverpool and Tottenham have left West Ham in free-fall in the Premier
League, although the club still lie only eight points off a European spot in
tenth place. However, the West Ham fans are becoming increasingly frustrated
with Curbishley's side in recent weeks and Bilic is seen as the ideal
candidate to replace the former Charlton Athletic manager. Bilic, who has
also been linked with a coaching role at SV Hamburg, has been in charge of
the Croatian national side since 2006 and has commanded respect throughout
Europe after taking his side to Euro 2008. The 39-year-old is a former
Upton Park favourite and has previously expressed an interest at working in
the Premier League. Bilic's profile would also fit the West Ham board's
desire to bring in top overseas players, as the club looks to turn a corner
following the high-risk signings of Argentinian pair Carlos Tevez and Javier
Mascherano. West Ham fans are currently sharing the blame between Eggert
Magnusson, the former chairman, and Curbishley. Magnusson is being critcised
not only for appointing Curbishley, but for raising expectations as to the
club's future.
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