Reactions to West Ham Vote of Confidence

The words 'dreaded vote of confidence' appear in most of the papers this morning. The Times and The Mail seem to think that Curbishley's days are numbers but the other broadsheets seem to want to take the West Ham board at their word.

The Daily Mail notice that the board's statement backing Curbishley did point out the need for 'challenges to be met'. Even more worryingly for Curbishley the paper have started weighing up his possible replacements, they say "Slaven Bilic would be a firm favourite".

The paper claim that the West Ham board are worried about Curbs' signings of players with known injury problems and also say that "reports of player dissatisfaction with Curbishley's training ground methods have not gone unnoticed."

The Mail say they are unsure that Curbs will be able to improve West Ham's results in the run in. "During seven seasons in the top flight with Charlton, Curbishley averaged fewer then three wins from the last 12 games of each campaign."


This line is supported by The Times who also feel that the board's statement yesterday suggested that they "will review the situation over the coming months." The Times also feel that Slaven Bilic would be among the candidates to replace Curbishley if he was sacked.


The Telegraph take a less negative line. They say that although the board feel "that further improvements (are) 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 Guardian also seem to believe that Curbishley actually does have the backing of the board (despite it being their sister paper The Observer who kicked it all off at the weekend by saying the club were seeking a new manager).

The paper say that owner, "Gudmundsson, has drawn together the previously disparate strands of West Ham United Holding, the plc and the football club, to form one functioning board of directors. He has driven the appointment of a technical director, the Italian Gianluca Nani, who will start work at the end of the season, and he enjoys hands-on involvement in the projects for a new stadium and training ground."

"It is seen as significant that Gudmundsson included Curbishley on the interview panel for the technical director and Curbishley is due to fly to Milan today to discuss summer transfer targets with Nani."

Flying Curbishley to Milan so he can identify his targets for next year does suggest that the board expect him to be in charge next season.

This fact is not lost on The Independent, who say, "Alan Curbishley will fly 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."