Conservatives mostly look back and rarely give change a chance; technocrats are preoccupied with means and not ends; idealists often expect too much and provide too little. At a time when it is difficult to please West Ham fans – no, actually I mean at a time when it is difficult to please a large section of West Ham home fans – there is a little bit of all three of these creeds at work. Let me explain.

The backdrop to this article is based around a few facts. First, West Ham’s style of football is currently not as attractive to watch compared to the football played under Redknapp or the football of the 05-06 season under Pardew. Second, this season, West Ham’s forwards have been goal shy. The final fact is that facts one and two have given a significant section of the home support reason to boo tactics and players. The more reasonable of us Hammers note that the length of the injury list itself explains all, and that this season is in fact looking like sure and steady progress despite notable absences from the first team. Alas, this washes over some, so hear goes nothing.

Despite being a Hammer himself, Curbishley came to Upton Park with baggage. Charlton were famous for being a well-organised and stubborn side to break down, often grinding out results as opposed to attacking the game with guile and flair. In short, not a brand of football that the claret and blue faithful buy into. So some of the current negativity is a continuation of the mistrust felt towards Curbishley’s tactical approach. Fellow fans often recall his days at Charlton and ask me: “Is that what you want? Cos that’s what you’ve got!”

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The latter could often be brought on by over-ambition, in football terms thinking that the club is bigger than it actually is. Perhaps this applies to West Ham United, where most of the fans consider the club a sleeping giant. There is no doubting the club’s potential; it has a huge fan base and tickets are regularly sold out at Upton Park. The stadium itself, though in need of development, rivals most in terms of its size, and the noise generated by the fans is always electric as soon as “Bubbles” rings across the ground. There is no question that in a few years time, West Ham United could become a global name.

However, in recent times there seems to be a distinct unease amongst some Hammers fans in the ground. For instance, at the Wigan game, while most were as noisy and as rowdy as ever, a growing minority of fans found it in themselves to complain rather than chant, to moan rather than sing, to boo rather than cheer.

There were three incidents in particular during the 1-1 draw. First was the jeering at Alan Curbishley to bring on Dean Ashton right from the start. Despite Ashton’s patent ability, surely it cannot help the on-field players if a large chunk of the noise is directed towards one who is running up and down the sidelines. The fans weren’t considering the impact it was having on the players filling the forward positions, in particular Bobby Zamora, who clearly looked affected by this and endured a relatively poor game. We forget that Zamora was one of our best players towards the end of last season, finishing our top goal scorer, so perhaps we should get behind him rather than encouraging the manager to take him off. Curbishley himself might even feel under more pressure than is necessary as a result. He is the manager, the fans are not – so let him do his job.
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Liverpool and Arsenal lead the table after victories against Derby and Portsmouth respectively, the Reds hammering Billy Davies’ Rams side 6-0 with Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso scoring twice apiece as Liverpool indicated for the first time in a long, long time that they will sustain a challenge for the league. Arsenal recorded their most convincing victory of the campaign, 3-1 winners against Portsmouth, and despite the lack of transfer activity and departure of Henry, Arsène Wenger’s side also appear ready to contest for the title. While Liverpool and Arsenal have ten points after four matches, Chelsea stayed on that number following their fifth game and first defeat of the season. They fell to a 2-0 defeat against an impressive Aston Villa side with Zat Knight doing more than he did in eight years at Fulham by scoring the opener and keeping a clean sheet.

Everton also lie on ten points after Joleon Lescott netted in the 90th minute to give David Moyes’ outfit a 2-1 victory at struggling Bolton, who now reside in 19th position. The most exciting game of the weekend came from Craven Cottage as Tottenham threw away a 3-1 lead with 12 minutes remaining to draw against Fulham, Diomansy Kamara netting a brilliant overhead kick in the final minute to ensure the points were shared, although the visitors dominated throughout. Martin Jol’s position as coach has become even more precarious. Manchester United beat Sunderland by a single goal from Louis Saha as they continued to flounder in front of goal, and there were wins for Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Blackburn and West Ham too. Reading, after losing 3-0 at home to the Hammers, lie in the relegation zone and second season syndrome is hitting them hard.

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West Ham continued their slow start to the new season with a tame 1-1 draw with third-placed Wigan, as Chris Hutchings continues to prove his critics wrong. Bolton also got off the mark by hammering Reading, and there were wins for Aston Villa and Birmingham while a draw was played out at Goodison Park between Everton and Blackburn as Roque Santa Cruz continued to impress for the visitors. Sam Allardyce says he wants to bring in new faces before the transfer window closes on Friday after watching another draw for his Newcastle side. A visit to the Riverside saw them lead twice only to allow Middlesbrough to level almost immediately on both occasions.

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Defending champions Manchester United already have a big mountain to climb if they are to retain their crown after falling 1-0 at Manchester City, thanks to a Geovanni effort. United dominated but lacked a cutting edge, leaving them on just two points after three matches having scored only one goal in that period and they lie five points off favourites Chelsea, who benefited from a stroke of luck to earn a 1-1 draw at Anfield against Liverpool. Fernando Torres scored a brilliant opener, but Frank Lampard levelled when referee Rob Styles incorrectly ruled that Florent Malouda had been fouled in the box. Both sides remain unbeaten and look set to battle it out for top spot over the next few months, especially after Arsenal failed to take advantage of their rivals’ results. A 1-1 draw at Blackburn offered little indication that the Gunners would compete any better this season than they did in the last.
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Portsmouth v Bolton (1245 UK)
A relegation struggle is looming for Sammy Lee’s Bolton after defeats to Newcastle and Fulham, but while their own defence is struggling, they face a Portsmouth side potentially without Sol Campbell, Noe Pamarot, Gary O’Neil, Dejan Stefanovic and Lauren, while Sulley Muntari’s suspension could leave Harry Redknapp with just 16 senior players.

It already seems imperative that Bolton take at least a point from this encounter as Lee struggles to work his 4-4-2 formation, a change from Sam Allardyce’s successful 4-3-3 tactic. Portsmouth’s half-time adjustments versus Manchester United triggered a much-improved performance, which gained them their second point of the season, and eyes will be on goalscorer Benjani and expensive new striker signing David Nugent to provide the impetus.

Prediction: 1-1

Birmingham v West Ham
An early relegation ‘six-pointer’ against Sunderland yielded only one point following a stoppage time equaliser from old boy Stern John and while their fellow promoted club have picked up four points, Steve Bruce’s side look set for a difficult campaign. They will have midfielder Olivier Kapo and central defender Johan Djourou back, and after West Ham’s sluggish start to the new campaign, there is hope and expectation that Birmingham will pick up their first victory.

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Manchester City
Stuart Pearce’s uninventive spell ended amidst anger and despondency from City’s support but following a hectic summer, the new owners have instilled fresh belief that a sleeping giant can be raised. Sven Goran Eriksson is the high-profile manager so many have craved, and his spending has reached £40m. A host of exotic foreign imports have wetted the appetite, but such extensive changes will take time to bear an impact and hopes of reaching Europe might have to be put on hold for another season.
Prediction: 9th

Manchester United
The great entertainers of last season, most neutrals were backing Sir Alex Ferguson’s side over Chelsea to capture the league title and his close season purchases indicate the battle of style will continue into 2008. Yet Nani and Anderson are unlikely to play regularly and Owen Hargreaves fits perfectly into Michael Carrick’s current role, so Ferguson will attempt to retain the Premier League crown with much the same squad as from the last 12 months. A lot depends on Carlos Tévez scoring with regularity; the hole left by Ruud van Nistelrooy’s exit has yet to be filled, and it is essential to have a 20 goal per season striker. The defence remains a worry and United’s gung-ho approach may not work for a second time against the brutal Chelsea machine.
Prediction: 3rd

PREDICTION TABLE 1 Chelsea 2 Liverpool 3 Manchester United 4 Arsenal 5 Tottenham 6 Newcastle 7 Portsmouth 8 Everton 9 Manchester City 10 Blackburn 11 West Ham 12 Aston Villa 13 Reading 14 Bolton 15 Fulham 16 Middlesbrough 17 Birmingham 18 Sunderland 19 Wigan 20 Derby

Middlesbrough
Gareth Southgate found his first season arduous as Middlesbrough flirted with relegation and the departure of Mark Viduka could be critical as the club face another season near the bottom. Jeremie Aliadiere and Tuncay Sanli have arrived on the cheap to cover for the Australian, the purchase of Jonathan Woodgate was a coup, and the squad does have depth – probably enough to avoid demotion, though with an inexperienced manager and discontented players in the squad, Middlesbrough are walking a tightrope.
Prediction: 16th

Newcastle
Glenn Roeder’s magic was short-lived and now it’s down to Sam Allardyce to meet lofty expectations. A marvellous job with Bolton with little money has made Allardyce’s reputation and with a £20m kitty at Newcastle, many anticipate immediate success whether with a top six finish or a piece of silverware. Alan Smith and Mark Viduka have joined an impressive front line that includes Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins and the talented Albert Luque while the often-problematic defence has been boosted by Villarreal’s Jose Enrique and PSG’s David Rozehnal. A strong squad might at last fulfil the hopes of Newcastle’s loyal and ambitious support.
Prediction: 6th

Portsmouth
A hectic summer at Fratton Park has seen more than £20m worth of players come in, though their calibre is subject to scrutiny. David Nugent was much sought-after and has the attributes to succeed in Premier league football, but Sulley Muntari and John Utaka are unknowns and may take some time to adjust to top-flight football. Pompey’s Russian owner might expect more of a return on his spending this season in the form of European football and with such a capable and well-balanced squad, it is up to Harry Redknapp to provide it.
Prediction: 7th

Reading
Perhaps Steve Coppell’s lack of interest in qualifying for the Uefa Cup will be vindicated over the coming ten months as second season syndrome is predicted by the very best in the medical profession. Teams like Ipswich have all suffered from this fatal condition, though the ever down-to-earth Coppell looks to be the right man to steady a ship about to sink despite a dearth of transfer activity. The exit of Steve Sidwell might have more of an affect on the squad than first thought and there is a worrying lack of depth – particularly if injuries strike – as the new campaign approaches.
Prediction: 13th

Sunderland
Roy Keane is a promising manager, but he alone cannot preserve Sunderland’s status as a top-flight club. Sent down in shame at the end of the 2005/6 season, Keane has much work to do if Sunderland are to avoid the drop again and signings like Kieran Richardson, Michael Chopra and Greg Halford do not immediately evoke thoughts of safety come May. Missing out on Leighton Baines and numerous other targets haven’t helped Keane’s plans, and though a good work ethic and team spirit is guaranteed, it isn’t enough to survive in a hugely competitive environment.
Prediction: 18th

Tottenham
Having spent more than £40m in the summer, Martin Jol can have few excuses for another slow start. Spurs eventually scraped into fifth position for the second year running, but the Champions League tops the objectives list and after splurging the cash while their main rivals for fourth spot, Arsenal, have sold their captain and spent little, this season presents an ideal opportunity to join Europe’s elite. Darren Bent is a proven goalscorer and joins Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov in a strong line of attack and Spurs’ squad looks sufficient to challenge Arsenal and the traditional top-four line-up. Yet questions remain over Jol as a manager and the team’s consistency, and they again might fall short.
Prediction: 5th

West Ham
Fortunate to remain in the Premier League, the Hammers have since lost their saviour, Carlos Tévez, and failed to sign Darren Bent, leaving hopes of breaking into the top six in tatters. Many West Ham fans remain sceptical about Alan Curbishley and the signings of Craig Bellamy and Scott Parker have failed to set the pulses racing. Yet the return of Dean Ashton, a defence that includes Lucas Neill and Matthew Upson, and experience of Freddie Ljungberg will ensure there are no relegation worries. The destructive influences of Nigel Reo-Coker, Marlon Harewood and Teddy Sheringham have gone, though so has the outstanding Yossi Benayoun, meaning 2007/8 is set to be one of regrouping and transition. With Magnusson’s millions though, another bash at the Uefa Cup is on the cards for 2009.
Prediction: 11th

Wigan
Paul Jewell wore his magic hat and achieved the impossible on the final day of the 2006/7 season, but Wigan’s reprieve looks short-lived with greenhorn Chris Hutchings taking over. Short on experience, he doesn’t have much time to adjust to the severity of Premier League management and he inherits a squad short on quality while his summer signings do not inspire confidence, apart from the skilful Jason Koumas. There is no cutting edge about Wigan and Hutchings is favourite to receive the boot first – perhaps only his exit can keep the club up.
Prediction: 19th

Do you agree with our predictions? Share your views by leaving a comment below.

As a footballer, Tévez is a wonderful fusion of power, tenacity, creativity and raw skill. His commitment to all his clubs has invariably been beyond doubt; what separates him from other equally gifted players is his indefatigability, passion and palpable will to win. It was these less glamorous qualities that prevented him losing heart as West Ham – a club he knew he would almost certainly stay for only a season at – crept, seemingly irrevocably, towards relegation, while many even had the temerity to make him the scapegoat for their woes. Tévez, however, responded with seven goals in their last 10 encounters and was indisputably the catalyst for their great escape.

Sir Alex Ferguson has wasted no time in attempting to improve last season’s title-winning squad; it seems he is a believer in the footballing maxim that “staying still is moving backwards”. Already, he has signed long-term target Owen Hargreaves to bring solidity to the midfield, and the exciting young duo of Nani and Anderson as, he would hope, long-term replacements for Scholes and Giggs. While there is a clear logic in the signing of this trio, it is a little harder to see where Tévez would fit in.

Manchester United palpably need a new forward, with Saha, Smith and Solskjaer, for differing reasons, unable to provide the support Rooney needed last season; too much goal-scoring emphasis was placed on Ronaldo, a winger, albeit a phenomenal one. Tévez, hard-working and superb in running with the ball from deep, bears strong resemblance to Rooney; yet, what United appear to need is not another ‘second striker’ but a poacher who can lead the line and whom their other attacking players can play off.

This is the role Ruud van Nistelrooy fulfilled for five seasons, and the more mobile Saha, until injury, fulfilled last campaign. Saha will probably stay, but given how prone he is to injury and question marks over whether he possesses the quality to be an Old Trafford regular, it seems Tévez will be made to play as the leader of the line.

Although this is a position he is unaccustomed to, and some may question the wisdom of forking out so much for a player who it seems Ferguson wants rather than genuinely needs for Man Utd, Tévez has sufficient footballing versatility and intelligence to adapt to this. The attributes he displays from deeper – his strength and ability to hold onto the ball under intense pressure from defences – seem equally suited to being utilised further forward. Equally, he hardly lacks confidence or composure in front of goal, and was lethal in his last two months for West Ham, while he scored 25 goals in 38 games for Corinthians.

The most fundamental point to consider, though, is Ferguson seems to be moving away from playing with a conventional poacher, as the replacing of the brilliant goal-getter van Nistelrooy with the more rounded Saha last summer illustrated. Rather, his vision is for a fluid, interchangeable attacking quartet free from the more rigid positioning typical of the modern game. A snapshot of how effective such football can be came when United, playing with a ‘front four’ of Ronaldo, Giggs, Scholes and Rooney – not a conventional poaching forward amongst them – combined spectacularly to win 4-2 at Highbury in February 2005, the home side reduced to near-helplessness, unsure of whom they were marking.

So while some will claim Rooney and Tévez are too similar to play together, that is not necessarily a bad thing. As well as their exceptional talents, they are versatile and tireless in their tracking back. Together with Ronaldo, they make for an eye-watering trio – all, remarkably, under 24 - and could each contribute in excess of 20 goals a campaign in a dynamic and fluid attacking outfit, with no need for an out-and-out centre forward. But pity opponents’ poor defenders.

The most recent acquisition is Charlton’s Darren Bent, arriving for an incredible £16m, who joins Scott Parker and surely many further prominent and expensive names. Having failed to cope with just two Argentine egos last season, the impact of having a starting eleven all earning in excess of £70,000 each week will be intriguing. They might follow the route of Newcastle in recent seasons and culminate in mid-table or, in the best case scenario, replicate Tottenham’s success. Martin Jol has guided Spurs to consecutive fifth-placed finishes following significant funding, but West Ham are looking to the Champions League – fourth position – in 2008.

Arsenal are refusing to seriously strengthen their squad, so Magnusson believes the final Champions League position is up for grabs for whoever is brave enough to attempt to break the top four monopoly. Despite the recent spate of takeovers, it has not necessarily meant an increasing number of Premier League clubs all of a sudden have millions and millions of pounds to expend. For West Ham, though, Magnusson has thrilled by opening his pockets and deciding Alan Curbishley can proceed with a summer of spending. In return, he wants the East London side to join the cream of Europe in the lucrative Champions League.

It seems a laughable concept that a side who avoided relegation on the final day of the season could face AC Milan or Barcelona 16 months later, but if a chequebook is left open, then progress up to the opposite end of the league table is certainly attainable. It is a myth that the top four – Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal – are unmovable. Tottenham almost, and indeed should have, joined the select group in 2006 and Newcastle enjoyed consecutive seasons there under Bobby Robson. Will West Ham be next to shake up the mix?

The arrival of Bent, who attracted offers from both Tottenham and Liverpool, is symptomatic of Magnusson’s grand ambitions. The Charlton forward has been consistent in his time at the Valley, and should give West Ham at least 20 goals a season, if not more, especially if the succulent talent of Carlos Tévez is persuaded to stay. Tévez is still the only truly world class footballer at the club, and can provide the impetus for the push for Champions League football. Great consistency is needed to climax inside the top four, and that means winning matches when not playing well and being able to trouble and take points from the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, and rivals for the position, Tottenham.

All West Ham supporters acknowledge any aspirations are pending on Tévez’s future. It is imperative that the ex-Boca Juniors prodigy is kept at Upton Park in order to separate the club from the Champions League pretenders; the likes of Newcastle and Bolton, and perhaps even Tottenham. As interest from Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Liverpool and others from across the continent continues, West Ham must convince their star that he can win trophies and play amongst the best clubs without the need to change address. If Curbishley fails to guide the club into any European competition by the end of next season, Tévez would then almost certainly depart, but for now he has to believe in the Hammers’ mission.

It is in with the new and out with the old. Lucas Neill, Matthew Upson and Luis Boa Morte represent the former after arriving in January, while Hayden Mullins, Marlon Harewood and Nigel Reo-Coker are heading for the exit door as Curbishley is finally able to build and shape his team. If success isn’t guaranteed next season, then fun and fireworks definitely are.

The cash will continue to be splashed – most likely at inflated prices – with players such as Shaun Wright-Phillips, Freddie Ljungberg, and Andy Johnson linked recently, plus the bonus of having striker Dean Ashton returning after missing the entire 2006/7 campaign with injury. First though, Curbishley will have to persuade the excellent Yossi Benayoun to rebuff Liverpool. The influential Israeli midfielder was the subject of a refused £3m bid and Rafael Benítez is set to raise the stakes to ensure he acquires the 27-year-old.

A takeover provides excitement and hope for all supporters, and those in West Ham are immediately seeing the benefits of having new, foreign owners. Last season was one to erase from the memory, and that process can be catalysed by achieving unprecedented success in 2008. Qualification for the Uefa Cup is a minimum target, and West Ham are also expected to challenge for both domestic trophies. However, it is only by qualifying for the Champions League that Magnusson’s elaborate spending will be vindicated, and finishing inside the top four looks a distinct possibility if Curbishley continues to bring in fresh faces and is able to hold on to both Tévez and Benayoun.

Joining Europe’s elite truly would add a pertinently happy ending to the West Ham story and saga.

Will West Ham make the Champions League? Share your views by leaving a comment below.

They were dead and buried. Last season, Portsmouth also looked dead and buried, but 20 points in the final 9 games accomplished a great escape. Just for the record, West Ham accrued 21 points - with a tougher run-in. So the people that kept the Hammers up, the people that made the seemingly impossible happen, are in line for some well deserved credit.

Or so the record books would suggest. The reality is that reality has been obscured. The ‘reality’ behind why West Ham were initially plunged into the mire; the ‘reality’ why Curbishley struggled to get the club out of the relegation zone; the ‘reality’ why West Ham eventually pulled off the greatest escape ever in the Premiership. Fuelled by bitter chairmen and poor journalism, one story has obscured all of this. As a corrective, I will side-step the issue of Tevez’s transfer. Instead, I wish to inject a bit of reality back into the story of West Ham’s season, 06/07. For brevity’s sake, I will concentrate on the last reality - the people that made the great escape happen.

The Tottenham match marked a return from injury for Lucas Neill, who, though not officially given the captain’s armband, ended up in practice being the one true leader on the pitch, organising the back line and installing a calming presence. Despite a sickening loss against Tottenham, well deserved luck arrived in the controversial 2-1 win away to Blackburn, which also saw a recall for James Collins. His strength and no nonsense defending have been one of the main catalysts for West Ham’s survival, along with an upturn in form from goalkeeper Robert Green who must surely be close to England’s number one spot.

Another important change against Tottenham was the introduction of Mark Noble. A West Ham man at heart, his work rate and tackling added bite to the midfield, while his intelligent running and technique allowed him to notch two Premiership goals in 10 starts. Reo-Coker’s return was a paltry one in 35.

It is fair to say that the overarching catalyst for West Ham’s revival was the manager himself

Up front, Carlos Tevez undoubtedly inspired with his constant running and, eventually, crisp finishing. He is one of a handful of phenomenal talents to wear a Hammers’ shirt, and if West Ham’s only activity this summer is to secure his transfer, it would represent the biggest and best transfer in the club’s history and would truly signal a turning point for the club.

Returning to matters on the field, Tevez’s form was galvanised by his partnership with Bobby Zamora, whose influence cannot be underestimated. He linked the play with some fine touches, not to mention weighing in personally with some superbly taken goals. His movement, awareness, work down the channels, first touch, heading and ability to hold the ball up were all superb assets; they were aspects that improved under the management of Curbishley, and aspects that proved to be essential ingredients in integrating Tevez into the team.

This leaves the final word regarding Alan Curbishley. Within weeks, his seemingly conservative approach frustrated fans. You could see the stress he was going through, but more importantly, the fans started to realise that the players under Curbishley also started to show how much defeat hurt as well; all too evident at home to Tottenham.

His individual management of players along with Mervyn Day paid dividends. Green’s lack of shouting and organising was addressed; Zamora’s link play and overall game improved; Collins and Ferdinand started to form a solid partnership, and Mark Noble was trusted to be the midfield general. Also responsible for bringing Lucas Neill to the club, it is only fair to say that the overarching catalyst for West Ham’s revival was the manager himself.

The odd psychological aspect about sport is that it can make spectators of winning teams and individuals stand a foot taller. Nobody knows why, it just does. As I write this, I am still seven feet tall. So I return to where the season ended for West Ham fans - joy, and despite bitter chairmen and unprofessional journalists, there is a lot of joy being obscured.

Joy that West Ham finally has an honest and wealthy chairman, a man of football, who is both a gentleman and a scholar. Eggert, we salute you. Joy that West Ham now has a captain worthy of the armband. Lucas, you have been a true leader. Joy that West Ham has helped to kick-start the career of a future international star. Carlos, you were inspirational. Joy that I was a West Ham fan season 06/07. Singing and dancing in the face of adversity, the best support in the land.

Is Curbishley the main reason for West Ham’s survival? Share your views by leaving a comment below.