Curbs delighted with his Hammers

2:52pm Monday 12th May 2008

ALAN Curbishley has praised the efforts of his players as West Ham finished the season in tenth place.

And the Irons boss, who has been severely hampered by a chronic season-long injury crisis, insists the club can now really push on in the 2008/9 campaign.

Speaking after the 2-2 with Aston Villa on Sunday, Curbishley said: "I've said all season that players have done fantastically.

"We let ourselves down on a couple of occassions and we know that, especially that bad week we had, but in the main they have gone out there most weeks.

"They've had all sorts of problems to contend with and have done well despite constant change.

"It's been a terrific effort and I now know that my squad is stronger than when I started last year.

"We've been missing an awful lot of players but my big hope is that we get them back for the start of pre-season.

"Then I know I will have the competition that will make us better for next year."

After watching his side match sixth-place Villa at Upton Park, Curbishley is convinced that, with the return of crocked stars such as Craig Bellamy, Julien Faubert and Kieron Dyer, his squad can look to challenge for the UEFA Cup positions in the future.

"I think that is where we have got to attack," said Curbishley, who was due to meet with the board today to thrash out all issues related to the club, from summer transfer budget to training facilities.

"I came in 18 months ago and we had to stay up - that was the short term brief.

"The long term brief is to break into them European spots at some stage.

"I'm delighted what we've done this season, considering the problems we've had.

"I know the squad is that much stronger because a lot of players have played football that perhaps they didn't think they'd be getting."