Towards the end of the season, I was very sure I would finish it off with a post about how I think Curbishley should go and how the red carpet should be rolled out for Mr Bilic. I’m not so proud that I can’t admit that this would have been a mistake and here is why.
I’ve been watching the Erikkson debacle at Manchester City, where a decent manager who had the respect of his players had taken an average side and made them play some exciting football alongside achieving a respectable league position. And was then ousted. So put myself in the shoes of someone who does not support West Ham. If Curbs had been forced out, what would have been their verdict? Manager comes in to club in complete disarray, saves them from relegation. The next season he steers them through an injury crisis to safety by February. On that basis, you could understand why someone might slate us for such behaviour.
Now, we can dig deeper and say that if you buy Kieron Dyer, you should expect an injury crisis. Or the manner of 3 x 4-0 defeats on the trot is completely unacceptable. But like I said when Allardyce got sacked, not everyone can win everything. Every dog will have its day, like we did against Liverpool and United at home but likewise there will be some bumps along the road. A manager of an average Premiership job sees it as his job to make sure the highs outweigh the lows and you live to fight another day. Curbs did that and within the time frame he has, that is more than acceptable.
Next season, however, we are entitled to expect more. Get rid of those simply not good enough, have a fully fit squad, fill in the gaps where we are wanting. Performances have to start improving and Curbs has to develop rapport with the fans. There is expectation, but where there is that, then surely a manager has a right to be given a chance to deliver?
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