Curbs eyes 'positive' Zola reign

Former Hammers boss eyes stability under Italian

By James Dall   Last updated: 15th September 2008

Curbs eyes 'positive' Zola reign

Curbishley: Zola backing

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Alan Curbishley is hopeful his former club West Ham United can put their previous problems behind them with Gianfranco Zola now at the helm.

Curbishley left his Hammers role last week after just three games of the new season citing 'a breach of trust and confidence' over the club's transfer dealings.

Former Chelsea star Zola has since been unveiled as the side's new boss, and Curbishley is hopeful there will now be a sustained period of stability at Upton Park.

He told Sky Sports' Goals on Sunday "I think perhaps now the club is on a firm footing, it's all positive. The selling has now been done and the club can get on with it.

Animosity

"I hope he has a bit of luck with injuries, if he gets a run of luck on that score he has got a decent squad there."

Curbishley went on to insist he bears no animosity towards the club despite the circumstances of his exit.

He said: "I just felt what was happening was things were going on which I wasn't agreeing to. I firmly stood my corner but it didn't make any difference.

"I bear no animosity to the club, the team or the players. I want them to do well. I am a West Ham boy and was privileged to become manager there.

"I felt if you are going to be responsible for performances and results, they have got to be your players out there. I just felt the way it was turning out, that wasn't happening."

Ashton rumours

Reports had suggested he was prepared to sell striker Dean Ashton during the summer transfer window, but Curbishley has moved to dismiss the rumours.

He added: "That is a figment of someone's imagination. I don't know if there was a bid for Dean Ashton, I don't know what went on there.

"In the last couple of days there have been one or two things leaked... I was disappointed that came out. I know nothing about anybody bidding for Dean Ashton or whether it would be accepted.

"It never passed by me and I was disappointed with it."