Eggert Magnusson has welcomed Alan Curbishley as his new
manager and explained the tough decision he was forced to make in
the best interests of West Ham United this week.
Following Alan Pardew's departure on Monday, the Hammers
Chairman moved quickly to appoint the former Charlton boss, who
spent four years as a first team player at Upton Park after
progressing through the youth ranks in the early 70s, and is
certain he has the right man in place.
"I think it's great to have Alan back here at West Ham
United," says Mr Magnusson. He has been associated with the
club from a very young age, he loves the club, and it is more like
coming home for him.
"There was never any doubt he was right man for the job. I
knew of the success he had achieved at Charlton during so many
years with the club, and he left a great legacy there.
"When I first met him on Tuesday, we sat down and I told him
my ideas, then I heard his point of view, and it only established
further what I already knew - that he is a great man, with a
fantastic passion for this Club."
While revealing his delight at securing the services of Curbishley
- who was interviewed for the England manager's job just a few
months ago - Mr Magnusson was also keen to express his reasons for
making the change in the first place and reassure Hammers fans that
his decision was made entirely in the best interests of West Ham
United.
"I would like to tell our supporters that I was really shocked
by the last two matches," he said. "Not simply the
results, but by the way we played, with a lack of emotion and
motivation. Something was missing and I really had a tough choice
to consider.
"It's not easy when you have to make a decision like I had
to after the game at Bolton. But I am chairman of this Club and it
is my responsibility to make difficult decisions.
"We now have five very important games before January 1st, the
transfer window will be opening, and I felt, however tough it was,
that it was the right time to make this change.
"All the time, I am only thinking about what is best for our
club, West Ham United. I only hope our tremendous supporters really
understand, and trust me to make those difficult decisions - as
always in the best interests of the Club.
"In the end, my only aim is that we will have a lot of
success, and I believe that Alan Curbishley is the man to achieve
that over a long period of time.
"The contract with Alan is for three and a half years, but it
is my wish to see him here for 15 or 20 years, like Sir Alex
Ferguson at Manchester United. That is what success is all about,
and that is the way we will look forward."
To see the full and exclusive interview with Eggert
Magnusson, go to WHUTV now…
by Danny Francis