West ham squad set to be cut at the end of the season

By Simon Hayes on April 24, 2008 8:59 AM |

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WEST HAM’S big-earners can breathe easy this week as they won’t be the fall guys when the squad is cut down in size after the season finishes.

Alan Curbishley’s expensively assembled collection of players, many of whom have spent longer on the treatment table than the pitch, is almost certain to be reduced, according to Hammers’ chief executive Scott Duxbury.

But Duxbury denied senior, and highly-paid, pros like Freddie Ljungberg and Lucas Neill will be allowed to leave, insisting it will be fringe players, such as Nigel Quashie and Calum Davenport, who are likely to be shown the Upton Park door in an effort to cut costs.

Ironically the size of the first team squad, with 33 listed on the books, has helped the Hammers through this injury-ravaged season, something Curbishley was keen to point out after Saturday’s (April 19) 2-1 win over Derby.

He said: “We have got a big squad and that has held us in good stead. If everyone was fit I’d have a few problems with it, but they’re not.

“Everyone talks about what we spent but let’s clear that one up. We spent £27million in the summer but brought in £22m.

“We spent £18m in the window when I first came in but if you add up the net spending Fulham, Portsmouth, Sunderland, Tottenham and Man City all swamped that this year.

“What we’ve actually done I don’t think is too bad. When I get everybody fit I think we’ll have a decent squad. I’m hoping that’s going to come to fruition after the summer.”

Curbishley also defended himself against the fans who booed his side off the pitch against Derby, even though it was the Hammers’ first win in over a month.

He said: “I’m a bit disappointed because there’s not too much appreciation of what we’ve had to put up with this year. We lost [Anton] Ferdinand last week in the first minute. This week we lost [Matt] Upson and [Jonathan] Spector – that accounts for six centre halves.

“I know what happens here. You put results together and it turns the other way. When the team’s winning people don’t like coming here because of the backing we get and when they’re not happy they let you know.

“But surely there’s got to be some realism and appreciation of what’s happened to us this year. Week-in, week-out we’ve been under the cosh. We can’t keep a settled side. I’ve not been able to pick from a fully fit squad. If it’s not good enough for some people we’ve just got to get on with it.”

Curbishley will be hoping to keep a settled side this Saturday (April 26) when in-form Newcastle visit Upton Park. With an attack spearheaded by the pacy Michael Owen and Obafemi Martins the Magpies will be looking to extend their six-match unbeaten run.

And another lacklustre Hammers’ performance will undoubtedly encourage the Boleyn boo-boys again.

simon.hayes@wharf.co.uk