WestHamFirm

Sam1 · Thu May 15, 2008 8:31 am Boss Curbs expects side to challenge next year

MANAGER Alan Curbishley is predicting big things for his West Ham team next season, but only once he is able to pick from a fully fit squad, writes MIKE SIMMONDS.

The Hammers boss has seen his playing staff decimated by injuries this year and hopes that once they return, he will begin to reap the benefits.

"I've been saying this for some time, we've got to get some return dates on certain players," admitted Curbishley.

"If I can get some of these players back who have been injured, then it will be like new signings.

"Between them, (Julien) Faubert, (Kieron) Dyer, (Craig) Bellamy and (Bobby) Zamora have played less than 15 games I think, so for me to get them back is a plus point and then I can start to consider where I've got to go.

"I came in 18 months ago and we had to stay up and I said that was a short term brief.

"The long term brief is to try and break into the European spots, so I'm delighted with what we've done this season, considering the problems we've had.

"I know the squad is that much stronger and when they are all fit it will give us the competition for places that we need

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oldhammer1966 · Thu May 15, 2008 11:43 am

The Injury list is a big factor in our performance this year and will be next year if things don't change. The management has to have a serious look at why it is such a problem - as I have said before I do not subscribe to Curbishley's bad luck theory - this is to do with how the squad is managed.

Peter Parka · Sat May 17, 2008 5:08 pm

We surely cant have as many injuries next season, surely??? :?