West Ham United

Hammers 'takeover decision close'
A decision on the future ownership of West Ham will be made this week, SSB understands. Hammers boss Alan Pardew believes the uncertainty surrounding the club is unsettling his team, whose win over Blackburn was their first in 12 games. After the 2-1 victory on Sunday, Pardew said: \"The uncertainty of the takeover means my position is under question and every player's position is too. \"The sooner it ends, the better it will be for everybody.\" Iranian-born Kia Joorabchian, backed by Israeli property magnate Eli Papouchaldo, is thought to the front-runner to take over at West Ham. Joorabchian was the president of Media Sports Investment (MSI), who owned the rights to the Argentine players Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, who signed for West Ham from Corinthians on transfer deadline day. The other main interest is from an Icelandic consortium headed by Uefa executive committee member Eggert Magnusson. Pardew added: \"I have seen first hand the damage that the uncertainty can do. \"Only when the takeover happens or if we have the same board or whatever decision is made - and I'm sure it will be the right one for West Ham - there will be uncertainty. \"I'm hoping we make the right decision on that front and take the club forward, because we have progressed very, very quickly - and in some ways got beyond ourselves. \"Maybe this is a re-correction of our abilities and our goals need to be reset to make them more realistic.\" West Ham's victory on Sunday, thanks to goals from Teddy Sheringham and Hayden Mullins, was only their second Premiership win this season. And it enabled them to climb from 19th to 16th in the table, with a total of eight points. Pardew admitted: \"There is an enormous amount of relief because there's been a millstone around my neck after our bad run. \"That becomes a burden and we have shown tremendous character. \"But one win won't propel us into a team that is comfortable in the Premiership. We have a considerable amount of battling to do. \"This is not a place for hiding, you have to stand tall and be counted and the players did that. \"It has been a long wait. We did get very, very nervous but it's a great win for this club and the fans and players deserve it.\" Pardew was keen to also thank the fans for playing an important part in the win at Upton Park. Under pressure after such a poor run of defeats, the manager was pleased with the encouragement from the supporters, who created an intimidating atmosphere at kick-off with chants of \"There's only one Alan Pardew\". \"The fans were special,\" he said. \"They showed the quality that some grounds can't get. \"I'm not the most emotional of people but I was a little bit choked at the start, with the way they backed me, and I thank them for that.\"

West Ham v Arsenal
West Ham boss Alan Pardew has no new injury worries as he looks to build on the success of beating Blackburn. Argentina international Carlos Tevez is in the squad having resumed training after a spell out with a knee injury. Striker Emmanuel Adebayor looks set to be incluced in the Arsenal squad after shaking off a thigh problem. The Gunners did not pick up any fresh injuries against CSKA Moscow, but Julio Baptista, Freddie Ljungberg, Emmanuel Eboue, Lauren and Abou Diaby are out. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- West Ham (from): Carroll, Green, Walker, Gabbidon, Ferdinand, Konchesky, Spector, Dailly, Pantsil, Mears, McCartney, Benayoun, Mullins, Mascherano, Reo-Coker, Sheringham, Cole, Harewood, Zamora, Tevez. Arsenal (from): Lehmann, Hoyte, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Fabregas, Gilberto, Hleb, Rosicky, Henry, Van Persie, Almunia, Djourou, Senderos, Song, Flamini, Walcott, Aliadiere, Adebayor. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- West Ham manager Alan Pardew: \"Knowing Arsenal, that will only fuel them towards getting a better response this time but the most important thing for us is remembering last year how we approached those two games. \"We have to have the same approach because whatever set up you have you have to have a 'no fear' approach.\" Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: \"We should get a lot of encouragement from the last two games and turn it our way by just insisting and trying to do better. \"Teddy Sheringham in the Blackburn game has showed how much experience can make a difference. \"I also like Nigel Reo-Coker. He has a good workrate, technique and power. He has physical power. In the middle of the park he uses that very well, he is very incisive and wins the ball. \"He did that against us last year.\"

West Ham boost for Icelandic bid
Icelandic businessman Eggert Magnusson has received a boost in his bid to take over West Ham after the Hammers allowed him to inspect the club's accounts. West Ham directors were told at a board meeting on Tuesday that Magnusson will be allowed to carry out due diligence. Hammers chairman Terence Brown met the 59-year-old on Monday and granted him permission to look at their accounts. A bid from a rival consortium, fronted by Iranian-born Kia Joorabchian, has so far failed to materialise. That bid had been the front-runner, but the lack of an offer led Brown to meet Magnusson, who is head of the Icelandic FA and a member of the Uefa executive committee, on Monday. Magnusson is thought to have indicated that his consortium is prepared to pay £75m for the club, with most of it coming from equity rather than borrowed money, and would also take over the £23m debt. He is also committed to providing money for new signings in the January transfer window and to keeping faith with under-pressure manager Alan Pardew. A West Ham spokesman said: \"A full board meeting took place on Tuesday and the directors were updated on the latest position regarding a takeover, but no decisions were taken.\" Magnusson has said he will step down from his positions with Uefa and the Icelandic FA if his takeover goes through.

Middlesbrough 1-0 West Ham
Massimo Maccarone came off the bench to claim a narrow win for Middlesbrough. The Italian had only been on the pitch for five minutes, but he reacted quickly to take the ball round Robert Green and fire into the empty net. Boro were just about worth the win in a error-ridden match, which saw West Ham take nearly an hour to win a corner. Aiyegbeni Yakubu had Boro's best chances in the first-half as the Nigerian twice threatened following huge clearances from Mark Schwarzer. Last season Maccarone came off the bench to spectacular effect in Boro's Uefa Cup run helping them reach the final, notably in the games against Basle and Steaua Bucharest. And the Italian's speed of thought and feet proved decisive as Boro returned to winning ways after defeats to Manchester City and Watford. Speed of thought and action had been two qualities palpably absent in the preceding 70 minutes as these under-confident sides produced nervous performances as they struggle to move up the table. Jonathan Spector and Fabio Rochemback gave a foretaste of what would prove to be an instantly forgettable first-half, hoofing shots embarrassingly over the bar. Boro fielded just one striker in Yakubu, who to his credit was one of the few players prepared to put his foot on the ball and attempt to bring a degree of creativity to the proceedings. Yakubu proved a willingly runner and twice almost successfully chased down two huge clearances from goalkeeper Schwarzer. Green came to collect the first of those clearances, while a well timed tackle from Danny Gabbidon took the ball away from the Nigerian striker on the second occasion. Just past the half-hour Stewart Downing's initiative ensured the game had its first save as Green palmed the England winger's shot away for a corner. West Ham had opted to deploy two forwards, but with the visitors outnumbered in midfield, Marlon Harewood and Teddy Sheringham struggled with the limited possession they received. The only occasion Schwarzer had cause for concern in the opening 45 minutes was when Jonathan Woodgate sliced clear Nigel Reo-Coker's cross. Rochemback provided a more positive start to the second-half, striking an elegant half-volley that went narrowly wide. Just before the hour West Ham manager Alan Pardew tried to pep up the visitorsr attack, replacing Harewood with Tevez. Twice the Argentine forward got himself into good positions only to fatally delay his shots. But it was Boro who continued to look the more likely side to score and so it proved as Maccarone cleverly carried the ball round Green before turning his shot home from an acute angle.

Magnusson 'to succeed' at Hammers
Eggert Magnusson, the head of the Icelandic consortium who are taking over at West Ham, has been backed to revive the Upton Park club. \"Eggert will make West Ham successful,\" Icelandic lawyer and agent Olafur Gardarsson, who has known Magnusson for nine years, he told SSB. \"He's enthusiastic, powerful, and tells you his meaning straight to your face. \"Whatever he does he is usually successful and it's difficult to stop him if he gets involved in a project.\" Magnusson, the president of the Icelandic Football Association and a member of Uefa's executive committee, is to replace Terry Brown as chairman at Upton Park. Under Magnusson the Icelandic Football Association has run a surplus in its accounts each year, testament to his financial acumen, says Gardarsson. \"It's a stable organisation and even when they've had less TV revenue from a bad European Championship or World Cup qualifying group they'd have money put aside from previous years to help.\" Gardasson has also been impressed by Magnusson's negotiation and organisation skills in his dealings with the Icelandic government, Fifa and Uefa. \"Six years ago Iceland didn't have any indoor football halls - now we've got up to six,\" said Gardasson. \"They are used all the time as well as in the evening. \"The Icelandic FA has also built up to up to 100 small artificial grounds for children to play in. \"This was a response to parents complaining there were no spaces for their kids to play due to the housing development that has gone on in Iceland, which has reduced the number of green spaces. \"The Icelandic government spoke to Fifa and the government and together they have made a start to improve this problem. \"Under Magnusson, again with Fifa and the Icelandic government's help, the national stadium has also been improved, with the building of a second stand. \"I know within Uefa he's well known and well respected.\" Gardarsson believes billionaire financier Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, who is chairman of the Icelandic bank Landsbanki and is backing the Magnusson consortium, will be an important figure at Upton Park. \"I have known Gudmundsson for over 15 years,\" said Gardasson. \"He was chairman of Icelandic club KR for many years. He is clever, successful and an extremely likeable gentleman. \"From what I understand he would be a quiet partner, but it is a strength to have him in the background. \"Despite his wealth he treats everyone the same way whatever their status. He is a good people person.\" Gardasson added: \"There are always more dangers taking over a football club rather than an ordinary business. \"But Iceland is not far from you and I think we are similar peoples. \"We have watched English football avidly since 1965 and hundreds of people travel each weekend from Iceland to watch English clubs. \"West Ham is a big name with a long history. You only have to think of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters. \"There are possibilites with a name like that, you don't have to build from scratch. It is known all round the world.\"

West Ham accept £85m takeover bid
West Ham have announced they have accepted Eggert Magnusson's £85m takeover bid for the club. Magnusson's consortium have secured agreements to buy 83% of shares and the Hammers' board have recommended the offer to remaining shareholders. Magnusson will replace Terry Brown as West Ham chairman, although Brown will stay on at Upton Park as a director. Brown said: \"The offer reflects fair value considering our history, recent performance and prospects.\" Brown added: \"Eggert Magnusson is fully committed to ensuring the club can continue its great tradition of success both on and off the field, to the benefit of supporters and the wider community.\" Magnusson said: \"I am both delighted and honoured that Terry Brown and his colleagues wish to support our offer for West Ham. MAGNUSSON FACTS Age: 59 Will become West Ham chairman Former owner of import/export and bread & biscuit manufacturing company Former president of Valur Reykjavik President of Icelandic FA since 1989 On Uefa executive committee since 2002 \"We can now end the uncertainty of recent weeks and move forward into the next phase of development of this great club, with Alan Pardew leading our efforts on the pitch. \"I fully appreciate the personal responsibility that will come with becoming chairman of West Ham and pledge to the staff, the players and the fans that I am here to serve and to do all that I can to deliver genuine success on and off the field.\" Magnusson says he will consider moving the club from Upton Park to London's Olympic Stadium. \"In terms of the club's location we are buying what we see, which is West Ham at Upton Park,\" he explained. GUDMUNDSSON FACTS Age: 65 Main backer of Magnusson consortium/ will become club's honorary president Chairman of Icelandic bank Landsbanki Interests in finance, international shipping, transport, seafood processing Former chairman of Icelandic team KR \"But if there is an opportunity to discuss a long-term move to the Olympic Stadium I would explore that. \"I recognise there will also need to be an athletics legacy from the London 2012 Olympics.\" Magnusson's consortium is backed by Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, a financier worth $1bn and chairman of Icelandic bank Landsbanki. It is thought to have taken on the club's £22.5m debt, although there is no mention in the club's announcement. Gudmundsson will assume the position of honorary life president of West Ham, while Brown will be appointed honorary life vice-president. Magnusson, who is president of the Icelandic Football Association and is also on the Uefa executive committee, said: \"Mr Gudmundsson has given me full backing and responsibility to take the club forward. \"He and I have known each other through football for many years and we share a passion for the game, particularly here in England. \"Mr Gudmundsson's commitment to the club is vital and he also believes that we can build something very special here at West Ham.\" Magnusson is not expected to formally replace Brown as chairman for a couple of weeks while the deal is formally processed. Once the deal has been finalised, Magnusson will resign from his Icelandic FA post but he could keep his place on Uefa's executive committee. He has already met Hammers boss Alan Pardew to reassure him of his support and that he will have funds for signings in the January transfer window. However, the futures of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano look less secure. The Argentina internationals were brought to West Ham by Iranian-born Kia Joorabchian, who then led a takeover attempt that failed to lead to any offer for the club. Tevez and Mascherano have played sporadically and their arrival has coincided with West Ham's recent slump. The Hammers have gone out of both the Uefa and Carling Cups and they are fifth-bottom of the Premiership.

Everton 2-0 West Ham
Everton moved to within a point of a Champions League place after they beat struggling West Ham at Goodison Park. Everton went ahead early in the second half when Leon Osman guided a volley past Robert Green after West Ham failed to clear James Beattie's cross. In stoppage time James Vaughan drilled a low shot under Green for the second. West Ham had the better chances in the opening half, notably when Lee Bowyer was thwarted by a Tim Howard save after good work by Carlos Tevez. After Osman scored, Howard made an important save to beat away substitute Marlon Harewood's powerful shot. The win moved Everton to within a point of Arsenal and Portsmouth, who are in third and fourth place respectively. Defeat left West Ham a point ahead of third-from-bottom Newcastle and without a league goal away from home for over three months. The frustration for West Ham was that in Tevez the visitors probably had the game's most dangerous attacking player. Tevez has yet to score since arriving at West Ham, but at a dank and windy Goodison his skill and invention constantly illuminated the game and provided encouraging signs he is starting to settle in England. The Argentine's ability to beat his man provided an opening for Bowyer that really should have given the visitors the lead. Tevez jinked his way past Joleon Lescott before cutting the ball back to Bowyer, whose sidefooted volley was pushed away by Howard. Having set up Bowyer on the right, Tevez switched flanks, cutting inside to try his luck with a couple of rising shots. So in control were West Ham that Everton's first chance did not materialise until just before the half-hour. Andy Johnson was quick to react after the ball ricocheted off Anton Ferdinand and his skimming shot was pushed away by Green. The West Ham goalkeeper was soon in action again when he came out to smother the ball at Beattie's feet. Tevez made a bright start to the second half, delivering a beautifully weighted pass to Bobby Zamora, who shot narrowly over the bar. Osman had failed to score this season before Sunday, but on 51 minutes he corrected his goalscoring statistics, cleverly guiding the ball past Green. The goal owed much to Beattie's persistence in the way the Everton striker chased a Yobo pass that had been overhit. Beattie's diligence enabled him to send over a cross that Jonathan Spector was unable to get any distance on his headed clearance and Osman was quick to take advantage. The 18-year-old Vaughan also claimed his first goal of the season when his low shot squirmed under Green. Everton boss David Moyes: \"It's an unbelievable result for us. \"I don't know how they did it. I think we ended up with five centre halves on the pitch and four centre forwards. \"Everyone was playing out of position but I think that epitomises the spirit we have.\" West Ham boss Alan Pardew: \"The goal drought is a concern. In terms of penetration and control of the game, up until their goal our performance was very good. \"David Moyes almost apologised to me at the end because he must feel he's got a win from nothing. \"Carlos Tevez needs a goal but his display was a big positive for us.\" Everton: Howard, Yobo, Stubbs, Lescott, Nuno Valente, Van der Meyde (Vaughan 72), Osman (Weir 82), Carsley, McFadden, Johnson, Beattie (Hughes 90). Subs Not Used: Wright, Vidarsson. Booked: Osman, McFadden. Goals: Osman 51, Vaughan 90. West Ham: Green, Spector (Mascherano 84), Ferdinand, Collins, Konchesky, Bowyer (Sheringham 69), Mullins, Reo-Coker, Etherington, Zamora (Harewood 69), Tevez. Subs Not Used: Kiraly, McCartney. Booked: Bowyer, Collins. Att: 32,968 Ref: M Atkinson (W Yorkshire).

West Ham 0-2 Wigan
A David Cotterill strike and a Jonathan Spector own-goal fired Wigan to victory in a lively encounter at West Ham. Cotterill opened the scoring with a fine turn and shot into the top corner after Wigan counter-attacked following a Carlos Tevez shot which hit the post. Baines' 30-yard half-volley flew in off Jonathan Spector to put Wigan two up. Marlon Harewood saw a good shot saved by Chris Kirkland early on and Tevez spurned a number of chances as the home side failed to find the net. The game was barely a minute old when West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green was forced to make a save, pushing the ball onto the post from a Paul Scharner flick-on. Green was in the thick of it again shortly after when he hit Hayden Mullins' under-hit back pass against Wigan's Lee McCulloch, but the ball flew wide. Hammers striker Marlon Harewood drew a save from Chris Kirkland at the other end after Nigel Reo-Coker set up his colleague with a pass threaded between Wigan's defence. The home crowd came to life when Carlos Tevez, still seeking his first West Ham goal, was just unable to reach a Paul Konchesky cross from the left. Chances then came in quick succession at both ends as David Cotterill of Wigan and Marlon Harewood both flashed shots across the face of goal. West Ham had the better of the remainder of the first half, with Tevez again unable to get a good connection when Yossi Benayoun swung a corner towards him at the far post. The unlucky Tevez had the first chance of the second half as his deflected shot from the edge of the area came back off the inside of the post. The pain was compounded for West Ham as Wigan immediately burst up the pitch and, collecting Kilbane's clever pass across the box, Cotterill turned his marker and fired into the top corner to put Wigan ahead. It got worse for West Ham when a cleared corner fell to Leighton Baines, who hit a 30-yard half-volley which was perhaps going wide, but hit Hammers defender Jonathan Spector and flew past Green. Hammers manager Alan Pardew responded immediately by replacing Benayoun with Teddy Sheringham, who had his first chance five minutes later but lashed a free kick over the bar. Sharner thought he had put Wigan three up when he headed home from close range but his effort was ruled - perhaps incorrectly - offside. West Ham struggled to make chances from there on in, Harewood's failure to put Tevez through summing up their frustrating evening. The hard-working Tevez also saw his late free-kick deflected off the wall as Wigan held firm for victory.

Bolton v West Ham
Bolton full-back Ricardo Gardner is likely to be on the bench after recovering from a knee injury while defender Tal Ben Haim is suspended. Midfielder Quinton Fortune remains doubtful with an Achilles problem. West Ham's Anton Ferdinand is a doubt with an ankle injury with fellow central defender Danny Gabbidon (hamstring) still out. The Hammers will also make a late check on midfielder Javier Mascherano after he suffered a knock in training. Bolton (from): Jaaskelainen, Hunt, Meite, Faye, Pedersen, Gardner, Fortune, Speed, Campo, Nolan, Giannakopoulos, Diouf, Anelka, Davies, Vaz Te, Al Habsi, Tal, Fojut. West Ham (from): Green, Spector, Ferdinand, Konchesky, Benayoun, Mullins, Reo-Coker, Etherington, Sheringham, Harewood, Cole, Zamora, Tevez, McCartney, Mascherano, Kiraly, Bowyer. Bolton boss Sam Allardyce: \"It is a disappointing sequence of results with just four points from a possible 21 available. \"There are some excuses for the players in terms of the physical demands of playing Arsenal and Chelsea and what they gave to try to beat those clubs. \"But we are struggling at the moment to produce our best football and we need to turn things around.\" West Ham boss Alan Pardew: \"If ever there was an examination of spirit then Bolton will provide it. I have to pick a team out that will cope with the way they play. \"They are very physical, a bit like Wigan, and we didn't cope with the very well at all. \"It will be a test of our character to see if we can bounce back from the defeat we suffered in our last game.\"

West Ham United have sacked manager Alan Pardew following a poor run of results. The former Reading boss leaves The Hammers after seeing his side stay in the Premiership's relegation places following Saturday's 4-0 thrashing at Bolton Wanderers. New Hammers chairman Eggert Magnusson and financial benefactor Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson looked less than impressed by the defeat at The Reebok Stadium, which was West Ham's third straight loss since their £85 million takeover of the East London outfit late last month. With big plans for the future of the club, the Icelandic pair have made the decision to part company with Pardew and he leaves Upton Park after a little more than three years in charge. It ends a turbulent spell for Pardew as Hammers boss, having left Reading in acrimonious circumstances to succeed current Newcastle United manager Glenn Roeder at Upton Park in October 2003. After missing out on Premiership promotion following the club's Championship play-off final defeat to Crystal Palace in the spring of 2004, Pardew led The Hammers to success in the same final the following season against Preston North End. Under Pardew, West Ham consolidated their place in the Premiership by finishing ninth last season, while earning a place in this season's Uefa Cup when they reached the FA Cup final back in May. Despite a penalty shoot-out defeat to Liverpool in Cardiff, West Ham entered the new season in great spirits, having pulled off a major transfer coup when they signed the Argentine duo of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano at the end of August. The optimism was soon short-lived, as West Ham recorded just four wins and two draws from their opening 17 league games, and that was enough for Magnusson and Gudmundsson to part company with Pardew. \"West Ham United have today announced the departure from the club of Alan Pardew,\" read a statement on the club's official website. \"Alan has made an important contribution since joining as manager in September 2003, but this season's results have been disappointing and have left the club in a very difficult position. \"The chairman, Mr Eggert Magnusson, and the board have been concerned by the performances of recent weeks and feel that it is the right time to make a change in the best interests of the club. \"Mr Magnusson and the board would like to place on the record their thanks to Alan Pardew for his hard work and commitment and to wish him well for the future. \"The search for a successor is now underway in order that a new manager can be in place ahead of the January transfer window. \"First-team coach Kevin Keen will take temporary charge of team affairs until a new appointment has been made.\" Keen's first game in charge could not be more difficult, as Premiership leaders Manchester United visit Upton Park on Sunday. Meanwhile, former West Ham player and Charlton Athletic manager Alan Curbishley has become the early favourite to succeed Pardew at Upton Park.

About time too teddy :wave:

West Ham close in on Curbishley
West Ham have opened talks with former Charlton boss Alan Curbishley about their vacant managerial position. Negotiations are reported to have been extremely positive and SSB understands Curbishley will take the Hammers helm within the next 48 hours. New West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson has moved quickly for Curbishley after sacking Alan Pardew on Monday. Curbishley, who played for West Ham from 1975-79, has already revealed he would find the job hard to turn down. \"I would love to know what West Ham want to say, of course I'm interested. They are my club,\" said Curbishley. The 49-year-old says he is thrilled that West Ham fans want him to take the job and an announcement could be made as early as Wednesday or Thursday. But, writing in his Daily Express column on Tuesday, Curbishley said the Hammers supporters should not take his appointment for granted. He added: \"I'm flattered by the response from fans who believe I should be the next boss but two and two do not always make four. \"West Ham are my club. I come from Canning Town, grew up as a trainee, became a first-team regular and sat at the feet of the incomparable Bobby Moore. \"The England captain would often give me a lift into training and I've never forgotten the lessons he taught me on and off the pitch, especially how to conduct myself in public. \"Once you are brought up in a background like West Ham, the affection you have for the club never goes away. \"I can easily tap into the fans' passion for the club, what they want and what they stand for.\" Curbishley is thought to have turned down the opportunity to manage the Hammers in 2001 when he was still at Charlton. He has been out of football after leaving his post at The Valley in May and has since been linked with Aston Villa, West Brom, Leeds and Norwich. It is also understood Curbishley will be joined at Upton Park by his former Charlton assistants Mervyn Day and Keith Peacock, who is already on West Ham's staff. And by a quirk of fate his first match in charge will be against Manchester United, the opponents for his final match as Addicks boss. Kia Joorabchian, the Iranian businessman who owns the rights to West Ham's Argentine duo Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, says Curbishley would be a superb appointment. CURBISHLEY FACTS Born 8 November 1957 in London Joins West Ham in 1974, making 85 appearances and scoring five goals Goes on to play for Birmingham, Aston Villa, Charlton and Brighton Begins managerial career at Charlton in 1991 Addicks are promoted in 1998, relegated the following season but return to the Premiership in 2000 Charlton post their highest-ever finish of seventh in 2004 Following his failure to get the England manager's job, Curbishley leaves The Valley at the end of the 2005/6 season \"I believe Alan is the best man for the job and can get them out of trouble,\" said Joorabchian. \"I think Carlos and Javier would be pleased if Curbs came in.\" Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed his sadness at West Ham's decision to fire Pardew. Wenger and Pardew were involved in a touchline row last month but Wenger told BBC Five Live Sport: \"That is not a reason to want someone to be unhappy. \"I think this is very cruel for Pardew as he's done remarkably well there. \"He wasn't given time by the new owners but sometimes that's the risk in our job, you undeservedly get the sack even if it's not linked with your quality.\" Ex-Hammers chief Glenn Roeder, now boss of Newcastle, added: \"When one of the football family gets knocked down and lose their job like Alan has, of course there is sympathy. \"They were just seconds away from winning the FA Cup final and Alan Pardew would have been in West Ham's history books forever and a day. \"That is scary, how fine the dividing line is that we all live by. We all hang by a thread, all of us.\"

Curbishley out to silence critics
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley is ready to shake off concerns that he is unproven when it comes to dealing with big-name players. The former Charlton boss reportedly failed to land the England job because he had not managed a high-profile club. But he said: \"People say I've been at the same club for a long while and have not managed these players or those. \"I'm hoping if we can be successful then 'yes' I think I can attract players and work with bigger players.\" He added: \"Hopefully, I can do that. But that's for the future. We've got to use all our efforts short term.\" West Ham are languishing third-from-bottom in the Premiership and some of the current players have been criticised for their performances this season. Captain Nigel Reo-Coker believes he will get some of the blame for former manager Alan Pardew's sacking on Monday and that he fears for his future at the club. There is also a question mark over Argentine duo Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. Curbishley admitted he would not shirk making any tough decisions over players but that all the squad would be given a fair chance to prove their worth to him. \"I've never been afraid of doing that (putting noses out of joint),\" said Curbishley. \"Obviously, I know quite a lot of the players and some I don't know but it's a clean slate for everybody. \"I have not got any pre-conceived ideas as I haven't seen West Ham enough for that to happen.\" Curbishley emphasised his main aim was beating the drop before concentrating on the expansive style of football the Hammers fans demand. Asked if he thought he had enough quality at his disposal to achieve Premiership survival, he answered: \"Yes. \"There's been a bit of criticism about them because of what they did last year and everybody is hoping that we respond now.\" West Ham play top-flight leaders Manchester United on Sunday in Curbishley's first game in charge of the club he played for between 1975 and 1979. Ironically, he sought out the Old Trafford club's boss Sir Alex Ferguson for advice before taking the West Ham post. \"I spoke to Alex this week and I said 'West Ham, they're third from bottom'. He said 20 years ago Man Utd were as well when he took over,\" said Curbishley. \"He said what you have got is an opportunity to go into a club and be successful. \"I spoke to a few people because it's not the situation I envisaged going into a club - mid-stream and in a difficult position. But because it is this club it changed my mind. \"I was just seeking out Sir Alex's advice on a couple of things. It wasn't too serious. He was writing out his Christmas cards and wanted to get back to them.\" Curbishley says he could not reject taking the job just two days after his friend Pardew was sacked. And he praised the job his predecessor has done. \"I had a bit of thinking time and it was just something that I could not turn down,\" he said. \"I know it might not sound right but maybe the players owe Alan Pardew a performance. \"I think Man Utd is a massive game but the players have taken a lot of criticism because of what has happened in the last couple of days and they probably owe everyone a performance. \"It would be great if that was with a win as well and no-one would obviously be more delighted than me.\"

West Ham v Man Utd
New West Ham boss Alan Curbishley should have Anton Ferdinand available again after the defender's recovery from an ankle injury. But Danny Gabbidon (hamstring) is still out and striker Dean Ashton (ankle) will not be ready to return until at least next month. Patrice Evra remains Manchester United's only injury absentee. That means Sir Alex Ferguson could name an unchanged side from the one that beat Manchester City 3-1. West Ham (from): Green, Carroll, Konchesky, McCartney, Ferdinand, Collins, Spector, Bowyer, Reo-Coker, Benayoun, Etherington, Tevez, Harewood, Mascherano, Zamora, Sheringham, Pantsil, Mears, Cole, Noble, Dailly Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Neville, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Silvestre, Heinze, Ronaldo, Fletcher, O'Shea, Scholes, Carrick, Giggs, Park, Richardson, Rooney, Smith, Solskjaer, Saha. West Ham boss Alan Curbishley ahead of his first game in charge: \"I do not think I will change things too much this weekend and I have not got any pre-conceived ideas. \"However, the players all owe Alan Pardew a performance, because there has been a lot of criticism of them. \"It would be great if that was with a win as well on Sunday.\" Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson on Alan Curbishley being appointed West manager this week: \"You always wonder what kind of effect it will have in the dressing room. \"We're expecting it to be difficult. Players will have a desire to do well and impress the new manager. \"It will be hard and we've got no illusions about that, but we have a good record at Upton Park.\"

West Ham 1-2 Portsmouth
A rare headed double in the first half by Linvoy Primus inflicted new West Ham boss Alan Curbishley's first defeat. Pedro Mendes set up both with a corner and free-kick from the left, allowing Primus time and space to head home. Substitutes Carlos Tevez and Teddy Sheringham gave West Ham more threat, with Tevez nearly scoring before Sheringham pulled one back late on. David James fumbled Sol Campbell's clearance out to Sheringham, who lobbed into the net from a tight angle. A rare headed double in the first half by Linvoy Primus inflicted new West Ham boss Alan Curbishley's first defeat. Pedro Mendes set up both with a corner and free-kick from the left, allowing Primus time and space to head home. Substitutes Carlos Tevez and Teddy Sheringham gave West Ham more threat, with Tevez nearly scoring before Sheringham pulled one back late on. David James fumbled Sol Campbell's clearance out to Sheringham, who lobbed into the net from a tight angle. The home side had the better of the opening exchanges without seriously threatening to score but when the momentum began to go Portsmouth's way, they quickly took advantage. As the ball came in from Mendes' corner on the left, Primus shrugged off Marlon Harewood's feeble challenge to connect with a downward header, which bounced up into the roof of the net. Sol Campbell wasted a great chance to make it 2-0 when he scooped over from close range after Sean Davis' shot was cleared off the line by Hayden Mullins. Mendes came within inches of doubling the lead when he flashed a shot inches over the bar as West Ham showed no sign of snapping out of their lethargic mood. On 35 minutes Yossi Benayoun's solo run and deflected shot gave the home fans something to get excited about but it was a subdued and somewhat passionless first-half display. Primus' opening goal was his first in two years but he did not have to wait long for the second as once again Mendes crossed from the left after a Jonathan Spector handball and Primus brushed aside Mullins to head home his second. The half-time introduction of Sheringham and Tevez for Harewood and Matthew Etherington certainly lifted West Ham but did not result in any immediate change to the scoreline. Twice in quick succession Tevez came close to breaking his West Ham duck, flashing a shot across the front of the goal and putting a curling free-kick inches over the bar. West Ham's pressure eventually told when keeper David James could only fumble Campbell's attempted clearance wide, as far as Sheringham, who lifted the ball in from a tight angle. This prompted a late West Ham rally but, for all their late threat, the home side could not find a way through to James' goal and, ultimately, they paid the price for their sloppy first-half defending. West Ham manager Alan Curbishley: \"You can't set about games like we did in the first half and expect to get things. \"I had no illusions when I came in, it's going to be a tough run-in and we've got to be confident enough that we'll get out of it. \"The Premiership is an unforgiving league - you have to be full-on and defend properly every game - in the last two games they did, but I was a bit shocked by today.\" # Portsmouth coach Joe Jordan: \"I don't think we got complacent, it was just down to West Ham's desire to get something from the game. \"If we had got a third goal it would have killed the game but the game was never dead. \"West Ham are desperate for points and this is never an easy place to come but I thought we deserved the win.\" West Ham: Green, Spector (Dailly 69), Ferdinand, Gabbidon, Konchesky, Benayoun, Reo-Coker, Mullins, Etherington (Tevez 46), Zamora, Harewood (Sheringham 46). Subs Not Used: Carroll, McCartney. Booked: Ferdinand, Reo-Coker. Goals: Sheringham 81. Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Primus, Campbell, Pamarot, O'Neil, Davis, Pedro Mendes, Taylor, Fernandes, Kanu (Cole 87). Subs Not Used: Ashdown, O'Brien, Thompson, Kranjcar. Booked: Kanu. Goals: Primus 16, 38. Att: 34,913. Ref: M Atkinson (W Yorkshire). The home side had the better of the opening exchanges without seriously threatening to score but when the momentum began to go Portsmouth's way, they quickly took advantage. As the ball came in from Mendes' corner on the left, Primus shrugged off Marlon Harewood's feeble challenge to connect with a downward header, which bounced up into the roof of the net. Sol Campbell wasted a great chance to make it 2-0 when he scooped over from close range after Sean Davis' shot was cleared off the line by Hayden Mullins. Mendes came within inches of doubling the lead when he flashed a shot inches over the bar as West Ham showed no sign of snapping out of their lethargic mood. On 35 minutes Yossi Benayoun's solo run and deflected shot gave the home fans something to get excited about but it was a subdued and somewhat passionless first-half display. Primus' opening goal was his first in two years but he did not have to wait long for the second as once again Mendes crossed from the left after a Jonathan Spector handball and Primus brushed aside Mullins to head home his second. The half-time introduction of Sheringham and Tevez for Harewood and Matthew Etherington certainly lifted West Ham but did not result in any immediate change to the scoreline. Twice in quick succession Tevez came close to breaking his West Ham duck, flashing a shot across the front of the goal and putting a curling free-kick inches over the bar. West Ham's pressure eventually told when keeper David James could only fumble Campbell's attempted clearance wide, as far as Sheringham, who lifted the ball in from a tight angle. This prompted a late West Ham rally but, for all their late threat, the home side could not find a way through to James' goal and, ultimately, they paid the price for their sloppy first-half defending. West Ham manager Alan Curbishley: \"You can't set about games like we did in the first half and expect to get things. \"I had no illusions when I came in, it's going to be a tough run-in and we've got to be confident enough that we'll get out of it. \"The Premiership is an unforgiving league - you have to be full-on and defend properly every game - in the last two games they did, but I was a bit shocked by today.\" # Portsmouth coach Joe Jordan: \"I don't think we got complacent, it was just down to West Ham's desire to get something from the game. \"If we had got a third goal it would have killed the game but the game was never dead. \"West Ham are desperate for points and this is never an easy place to come but I thought we deserved the win.\" West Ham: Green, Spector (Dailly 69), Ferdinand, Gabbidon, Konchesky, Benayoun, Reo-Coker, Mullins, Etherington (Tevez 46), Zamora, Harewood (Sheringham 46). Subs Not Used: Carroll, McCartney. Booked: Ferdinand, Reo-Coker. Goals: Sheringham 81. Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Primus, Campbell, Pamarot, O'Neil, Davis, Pedro Mendes, Taylor, Fernandes, Kanu (Cole 87). Subs Not Used: Ashdown, O'Brien, Thompson, Kranjcar. Booked: Kanu. Goals: Primus 16, 38. Att: 34,913. Ref: M Atkinson (W Yorkshire).

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