Curbs sets sights on joy of six

Alan Curbishley insists West Ham have a squad capable of challenging for a top-six place next season - if they avoid more injury woe.

Curbishley: Has faith in Hammers squad

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The Hammers splashed out £29million last summer but spent most of the season without any of their big-name arrivals as Craig Bellamy, Kieron Dyer, Freddie Ljungberg, Julien Faubert and Scott Parker suffered a catalogue of injuries.

The Hammers missed their pace, creativity and goals, so Curbishley takes the view that just getting them fit will be like making a handful of new signings.

And he believes West Ham will have a squad capable of challenging for a top-six finish next year.

"All the players missing are the pacey players and the offensive players, players who can unlock a team at home and be more dangerous away from home on the break," said Curbishley.

"We saw it a couple of times, in the game against Reading when we looked dangerous, but we weren't in that position again.

"Lee Bowyer and Matthew Etherington have also been out for a long time, and our leading goalscorers from midfield.

"I know when I do get them all in an XI that we are a quick, offensive side and if we get everyone fit we are in a position to push on. We have a squad that is strong enough."

Prem W/out Top 4 2008/09 Win Outright: West Ham 16/1

Your Comments

Copenhagenhammer (West Ham United fan)

"first of all I'm sick of listening to the same old tune saying WH splashed 29 mill quid on players. Yes, but it is never mentioned that we cashed in circa 23 mill quid on selling players. Further to this, 29 mill is what the top teams spent on one or two players, and even L'pool didn't succeed to finish at the very top despite paying in the region of 20 mill for Torres. He's been brilliant, but one player only cannot ensure success."

kdelay (West Ham United fan)

"violentk: Whilst you're probably right, targeting is about motivation and not about promisses. Targeting ourselves with an eighth place finish is just two places above out current position and wouldn't provide any additional drive for the team. Every Year Liverpool target winning the Prem but when did they last do that??? Secretely they are content with fourth and third spots but happy to target 1st. One day they'll get it!... and on day West Ham will too!!!"

violentk (Newcastle United fan)

"excluding the top 4, there's only 2 spot remaining where man city, portsmouth, everton, blackburn, tottenham, villa will be fighting for it. Top 8 is more realistic, newcastle, spurs, mancity may be struggling for stability, so i think villa and everton will win the top 6 spot next season."

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