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Noble still confident despite Curbishley exit LONDON – Mark Noble believes West Ham can once again defy the odds and secure a top six finish this season  |
| In an exclusive interview with FourFourTwo.com, the England U21 midfielder said: “We’ve had our fair share of problems, what with injuries and key players leaving, but when I look around the dressing team I see quality players.”
“I think we have to accept we’re not going to be a top four club, that’s obvious, but I don’t see why we can’t break into the top six. “Don’t get me wrong it’s not going to be easy, there are a lot of good teams in the Premier League, every game is difficult, but we’ve got quality and with a bit of luck and self belief I think we should be aiming to qualify for Europe.” A mass exodus of players, prompting Curbishley’s dramatic walkout on Wednesday, has overshadowed the club’s best start to a campaign in nine years. The former Charlton Athletic boss stepped down as Hammers boss on Wednesday, claiming transfer decisions were being made behind his back. This is an allegation West Ham vice chairman Asgeir Fridgeirsson strongly refutes, but he does not deny players have been shipped out in a bid to reduce the overblown wage bill. Freddie Ljungberg’s contract was terminated by mutual consent, John Pantsil and Bobby Zamora have departed for Fulham, Richard Wright left for Ipswich Town and George McCartney joined Sunderland. It was Anton Ferdinand’s decision to join the Black Cats that came as a particular shock to Noble. “I was a bit surprised at the time, but that’s football. You never know what’s going to happen,” said the boyhood Hammer. Swiss defender, Valon Behrami has joined from Lazio for £5m, but that’s as far as Curbishley’s recruitment drive went. After last season’s 10th place finish, expectations have risen and Noble is confident the team can deliver in the face of adversity. “We’ve lost some quality players," said the boy from Canning Town, "but I think we’re good enough to cope. I haven’t had a chance to speak to the lads who have left, but they’re all excellent players and I wish them all the best at their new clubs.” |
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