boro_boy
15-12-2006, 20:45
Alan Curbishley claims his appointment as new manager of West Ham came about after "something clicked".
The 49-year-old was unveiled as new boss at Upton Park by chairman Eggert Magnusson following Mondays sacking of previous incumbent Alan Pardew.
Curbishley moves to east London with the Hammers in a precarious position, just two places off the bottom of the Barclays Premiership and in the relegation zone.
However, the former Charlton manager insists he is delighted with his return to football after seven months out following his departure from The Valley.
Curbishley explained: "I was sitting at home on Monday morning minding my own business, enjoying the break, then suddenly it all erupted. When I started to think about it, and the potential, it was drawing me and something clicked. We managed to agree everything and I am delighted to have come here. Im looking forward to lifting the club out of the position were in at the moment so we can all enjoy the rest of the season. It starts this weekend against Manchester United. Its a big game."
Curbishley admitted leaving Charlton had been "emotional" but is looking forward to returning to the club where he spent five years as a player in the mid 1970s.
He continued: "It was very emotional when I left there. But Charlton are a massive part of my life and it had to come to an end and I headed into a new period of my life. West Ham is a result Ive always looked for. I never fulfilled my potential here as a player and hope I can do better as a manager."
Curbishley was approached to become Hammers boss in 2001 while still at The Valley but is adamant the circumstances are not the same.
"The situation is different. I was at a club, enjoying it and doing well. Being a free agent makes a big difference and probably had a bit to play in my appointment but the opportunity a few years ago came and went. But when this came along it was not going to go."
The new Hammers boss was reluctant to commit to making any changes ahead of the transfer window.
He told Sky Sports: "If I think we need to spend it (money) we will try and do it. But first Ive got to meet the players. Everybody needs a lift. Those sort of decisions will be made when the window opens. I dont know anything about reports (of dissent), I have to assess them when I get there. The players who enjoyed such a good season last year, its the same bunch and they must be down about what is happening. We start with a clean slate as far as I am concerned. I will judge everything on its merits. Ive only seen West Ham play on television this season. Mervyn has seen them a couple more times live, and Id like to think that from tomorrow the players will be looking to impress and looking to be on the team sheet on Sunday."
Asked about the decision to sack Pardew, Magnusson said: "After the two games against Wigan and Bolton, there was a lack of motivation. Its a very important time now; we have five matches until New Years Day and we have the January transfer window coming up, and I knew we had to make a difficult decision. I took a decision. It was very tough, as it always is, but I did it in the best interests of this club."
Now Curbishley insists his priority is to move the Hammers away from the bottom three, before attempting to take the club to the top half of the table.
"Weve got to sort ourselves out this season. But this club, with this fan base and tradition, has got an opportunity to be at the top end of the table," he said.
"West Ham as a club should be looking at the top end of the table. Thats something we hope to do."
He should do a very good job at West Ham but it all seems a little dodgy as they sack someone and then get a manager instantly. Its very fishy, i actually now hope they get relegated. Yet another club with an unfair advantage compared to the other clubs who are still English!!!
The 49-year-old was unveiled as new boss at Upton Park by chairman Eggert Magnusson following Mondays sacking of previous incumbent Alan Pardew.
Curbishley moves to east London with the Hammers in a precarious position, just two places off the bottom of the Barclays Premiership and in the relegation zone.
However, the former Charlton manager insists he is delighted with his return to football after seven months out following his departure from The Valley.
Curbishley explained: "I was sitting at home on Monday morning minding my own business, enjoying the break, then suddenly it all erupted. When I started to think about it, and the potential, it was drawing me and something clicked. We managed to agree everything and I am delighted to have come here. Im looking forward to lifting the club out of the position were in at the moment so we can all enjoy the rest of the season. It starts this weekend against Manchester United. Its a big game."
Curbishley admitted leaving Charlton had been "emotional" but is looking forward to returning to the club where he spent five years as a player in the mid 1970s.
He continued: "It was very emotional when I left there. But Charlton are a massive part of my life and it had to come to an end and I headed into a new period of my life. West Ham is a result Ive always looked for. I never fulfilled my potential here as a player and hope I can do better as a manager."
Curbishley was approached to become Hammers boss in 2001 while still at The Valley but is adamant the circumstances are not the same.
"The situation is different. I was at a club, enjoying it and doing well. Being a free agent makes a big difference and probably had a bit to play in my appointment but the opportunity a few years ago came and went. But when this came along it was not going to go."
The new Hammers boss was reluctant to commit to making any changes ahead of the transfer window.
He told Sky Sports: "If I think we need to spend it (money) we will try and do it. But first Ive got to meet the players. Everybody needs a lift. Those sort of decisions will be made when the window opens. I dont know anything about reports (of dissent), I have to assess them when I get there. The players who enjoyed such a good season last year, its the same bunch and they must be down about what is happening. We start with a clean slate as far as I am concerned. I will judge everything on its merits. Ive only seen West Ham play on television this season. Mervyn has seen them a couple more times live, and Id like to think that from tomorrow the players will be looking to impress and looking to be on the team sheet on Sunday."
Asked about the decision to sack Pardew, Magnusson said: "After the two games against Wigan and Bolton, there was a lack of motivation. Its a very important time now; we have five matches until New Years Day and we have the January transfer window coming up, and I knew we had to make a difficult decision. I took a decision. It was very tough, as it always is, but I did it in the best interests of this club."
Now Curbishley insists his priority is to move the Hammers away from the bottom three, before attempting to take the club to the top half of the table.
"Weve got to sort ourselves out this season. But this club, with this fan base and tradition, has got an opportunity to be at the top end of the table," he said.
"West Ham as a club should be looking at the top end of the table. Thats something we hope to do."
He should do a very good job at West Ham but it all seems a little dodgy as they sack someone and then get a manager instantly. Its very fishy, i actually now hope they get relegated. Yet another club with an unfair advantage compared to the other clubs who are still English!!!