Curbs gets the hammer

Jay M. Punkster

Indy Moderator

West Ham have confirmed the appointment of Alan Curbishley as their new manager just 48 hours after Alan Pardew was sacked by the club.
became the fans' favourite after spending time at Upton Park during his playing career, and held talks with the club on Tuesday.

Mervyn Day, who worked alongside Curbishley at Charlton until both men left The Valley at the end of last season, has been appointed as assistant manager.

"I am deeply, deeply delighted to be here and I'm looking forward to the challenge," Curbishley said on Sky Sports News.

"I'm looking forward to lifting us out of the position we are in at the moment so we can all enjoy the rest of the season if we can.

"Charlton was a massive part of my life but it had to come to an end and I had to go into a new period.

"I never really fulfilled my potential here as a player, and I hope I will do a little bit better as a manager.

"I think West Ham, as a club should be really looking to the top end of the table and that's something we'll hope to do."

Curbishley also voiced his sympathy for Alan Pardew, who guided West Ham into Europe last season but could not replicate that success this term.

"I am deeply disappointed for Alan, he is somebody I know very well, but this is the world we live in and we all know as managers that this is the situation," he said.

"I think that the second year you are in the Premiership it is often more difficult than the first."

West Ham's first game under Curbishley will be the home clash against Manchester United this Sunday.

"It's a special day when Man United come to Upton Park so we'll see what happens," Curbishley commented.