Curbs signs in with Hammers
Drogba keeps Chelsea in hunt
Neill leaves Rovers on top
—– Two days after the sacking of Alan Pardew, Alan Curbishley is unveiled as the new manager of West Ham United.
The former Charlton Athletic boss, who made 85 appearances for the Hammmers between 1975 and 1979, says: “If you’d said to me when I was at West Ham at the age of 16 that one day I’d be manager I would have thought it impossible.
“I’m deeply delighted. It’s a privilege to be here and I’m looking forward to lifting us out of the position we’re in.”
Curbishley will be assisted by Mervyn Day - another former West Ham player.
Chairman Eggert Magnusson revealed that he was shocked by the players’ ‘lack of motivation’ in the recent defeats against Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers.
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—– Didier Drogba comes off the bench to clinch Chelsea’s late winner against injury-hit Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge, and reduce Manchester United’s lead at the top of the Premiership to five points.
The Blues leading scorer also earned the praise of manager Jose Mourinho: “Didier Drogba’s attitude was brilliant. He was injured and there was maybe the risk of a bigger injury if he played, but at a tough time we needed him and he came on and made his contribution with the goal.”
Arsenal move back up to third after a narrow win at Wigan Athletic.
With three minutes left, Emmanuel Adebayor raced clear for the only goal of the game.
Manager Arsene Wenger says: “I can understand if Wigan are frustrated because they gave it absolutely everything, they created chances, and always looked dangerous.
“But the spirit is right. This is the kind of game a year ago we would have lost 1-0, but instead we won it 1-0.”
—– Lucas Neill turns the jeers to cheers as he scores a last gasp winner for Blackburn Rovers as they beat AS Nancy 1-0 at Ewood Park to finish top of UEFA Cup Group E.
The Aussie defender, who is widely tipped to join Liverpool next month, came under fire from a section of Rovers supporters in Saturday’s defeat by Newcastle United.
The win means Blackburn will face a third-placed side in Friday’s draw.
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