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'NEILL TELLS CURBISHLEY TO LEAD'
Alan Curbishley's future is reportedly in doubt after a dressing-room argument with Lucas Neill.
According to The Independent, West Ham's captain told his manager that the players had "kept you in a job" in front of the rest of the squad, and that Curbishley was not showing enough leadership qualities.
The clash reportedly came after West Ham's 4-1 win over Blackburn on Saturday, after Curbishley told Neill that he needed to 'inspire' the players more.
The scoreline in that game flattered West Ham, with two late goals making the win look much more comfortable that it actually was. Indeed, Curbishley admitted himself in a post-match interview that the dressing room was 'lively' after they let Blackburn back into the game. Matthew Upson and of all people Craig Bellamy also reportedly had strong words.
Despite The Indepedent's claim that Curbishley still has the support of 'most of the dressing room', The Guardian claims he has indicated he would be willing to leave in the near future.
They report Curbishley has suggested he would be 'willing to accept a severance package', as he becomes more and more disillusioned with the way the club is trying to cut costs.
The deadline day sale of George McCartney appears to have been the last straw for Curbishley, which along with the sales of Anton Ferdinand and John Paintsil has left his defensive cover shockingly light.
Curbishley was told the club was in talks with both Paolo Ferreira and Juliano Belletti from Chelsea, but neither signing emerged.
Indeed, Curbishley was angry that the club failed to complete the registration of Congo left-back Hérita Ilunga and forward David di Michele in time, with the loan signing of the pair belatedly announced on Tuesday.
Curbishley is expected to hold talks with Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury in the next few days, with a 'mutual agreement' and severance package thought to be the best way of saving face for all concerned.
