EPL, Premiership, English Premier League

Alan Curbishley’s resignation as West Ham’s manager was accepted by owner Gudmundsson. His resignation appears despite having obtained the best start to a season for West Ham in over 9 years. Curbishley felt that the Hammer’s transfer policies which let Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney were unacceptable. A statement by the club was made: “We can confirm we have accepted Alan’s resignation as it is in the best interests of both parties. A shortlist of candidates is being drawn up and an announcement will be made in due course about the new manager.”

View West Ham’s Curbishley Under Pressure for more information.

Curbishley illustrated why he left West Ham, a pattern which seems to be unfolding at Newcastle also:

“I started my West Ham United career when I left school in 1974 and have remained a lifelong fan. I have been incredibly proud to manage such a great club and my decision to resign has been very tough. The selection of players is critical to the job of the manager and 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. In the end such a breach of trust and confidence meant that I had no option but to leave. Nevertheless, I wish the club and the players every success in the future.”

The series of transfer policy changes seem to be the result of the acquisition of tactician Gianluca Nani (View West Ham secures new tactician, Nani for more information). In response to the criticism for having let go Ferdinand and McCartney (to Sunderland for €4.5 million) the club responded by saying that the sales were “based on our best long-term interests” and were “right for the club” . “In the past week, agreement could not be reached with Ferdinand on a new contract to replace his original deal that had just two years left to run. McCartney handed in a formal written transfer request after failing to resolve his personal reasons for wanting a move away.”

“West Ham United are looking to a bright future after a summer of consolidation and a positive start to the new season at the Boleyn Ground. The club is fully committed to a high-quality first-team squad based on solid financial foundations that will challenge at the top end of the Premier League and in the cup competitions. As stated before and during the close season, our intention was always to hone the size of the playing staff with several key performers returning to fitness and the emergence of homegrown talent. This has now been achieved with seven players sold or released and four recruited. Along with the importance of adding quality new signings with bright futures, a key aim has been to secure important players on long-term contracts. Such investment has ensured the club can keep together its strong spine of England internationals Robert Green, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker, Kieron Dyer and Dean Ashton along with players with proven international pedigree like Lucas Neill, Valon Behrami, Julien Faubert and Craig Bellamy.

“Unsurprisingly this summer we received a number of significant bids for leading players - in itself emphasising the high number of quality internationals at Alan Curbishley’s disposal - and all were rejected. However, in particular, the transfers of Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney along with the release of Freddie Ljungberg were right for the club and decisions had to be taken based on our best long-term interests. In the past week, agreement could not be reached with Ferdinand on a new contract to replace his original deal that had just two years left to run.”

In May West Ham management described how a change in transfer policies was beginning and how they would begin to slim down the first string team:
“We have probably the biggest first-team squad in the Premier League and our transfer strategy has to be carefully planned going forward. West Ham have a first-team squad of 40, so there is considerable room for maneuver. The last thing you should do when you have a problem is to throw money at it.”

In the summer of 2007 Curbishley signed higher profile players such as Freddie Ljungberg, Kieron Dyer, and Lucas Neill. This season the Hammers best signing was Valon Behrami; they also obtained Herita Ilunga, Jan Lastuvka, and David Di Michele. But multiple first string players left including: Bobby Zamora, McCartney, John Pantsil, Richard Wright, and Ferdinand. Curbishley took over for Alan Pardew in December of 2006, he was promised significant funds which were to succeed in bringing West Ham to the Champions League. During the 2006/2007 season West Ham almost fell into relegation but were saved by Carlos Tevez and Benayoun. During the 2007/2008 season both players left but Curbishley succeeded in reaching the the top table of the league in 10th place.

West Ham’s Vice-Chairman said that the candidates would be considered soon and a manager would probably be chosen before the next game against West Brom. “I have asked for a comprehensive list, in terms of nationality, experience and qualifications. The parameters go along with what we are trying to achieve at the club. The key element is that we want this to be a sustainable club. It is totally inaccurate to say we have anyone lined up for the job already - we want a strong English club with English players, with its roots in the academy.” As of now, Houllier and Mancini are strong candidates. Mancini has was the Serie A title for the past 3 years until he was recently fired after losing to Liverpool in the Champions League; Jose Mourinho took his place.

POTENTIAL REPLACEMENTS:

• Previous West Ham defender and current Croatian manager Slaven Bilic.
• Former Liverpool manager and current French Federation technical direction Gerard Houllier.
  and three Italians…
• Former Italian and Chelsea player Gianfranco Zola.
• Former Inter-Milan manager Roberto Mancini.
• Former Italy manager Roberto Donadoni.

• Since 2001 over 5 managers have come and gone at West Ham. From 1902-1990 West Ham had only 6 managers.

In order to reassure fans West Ham owner Gudmundsson made a statement about the clubs plans, “In my first full season as chairman I can assure supporters we are working hard to bring sustained success to West Ham United. 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.”