Alan Curbishley today insisted that the Hammers must fare
better in Saturday's crucial match against Wigan Athletic than
they have in recent games against teams in a similar
position.
"We haven't done so well against the teams around us in the Premiership all season," Curbs said. "They are vital moments of the season; telling games. We've lost to Watford, Charlton and Sheffield United.
"The Wigan game comes along and that has to change. Not only have we missed out on taking the points but other teams have gained points at our expense. We have to beat Wigan in order to buck that trend."
Over 5, 500 Hammers fans are set to enjoy free coach travel to Wigan, funded by the Chairman and the players. Curbs said: "Not to detract from the gesture but the fans we're taking would have gone up there anyway, because they're totally dedicated. Let's hope we give them something to get behind.
"I've been surprised by the level of support, certainly away from home. All I hear from West Ham fans is that they can't get tickets for our away games because they sell out so quickly. Perhaps I underestimated how big the Club is but I've realised since I've been here just what the Club means to the fans.
"When you give them something to get behind they are fantastic. We gave them nothing at Sheffield United but the noise levels at Everton were unbelievable. Friends of mine said they were listening to the radio and every time they cut to an update from Upton Park all they could hear was the West Ham fans."
And Curbs is looking for a response from the players after the Hammers' last away trip ended in 3-0 defeat at Bramall Lane.
"We were disappointed about the performance at Sheffield United in terms of what we've been doing in the last month or so," he said. "We created chances, had we taken them it all could have changed. They scored two avoidable goals and got a foothold. That has to change this weekend."
"We haven't done so well against the teams around us in the Premiership all season," Curbs said. "They are vital moments of the season; telling games. We've lost to Watford, Charlton and Sheffield United.
"The Wigan game comes along and that has to change. Not only have we missed out on taking the points but other teams have gained points at our expense. We have to beat Wigan in order to buck that trend."
Over 5, 500 Hammers fans are set to enjoy free coach travel to Wigan, funded by the Chairman and the players. Curbs said: "Not to detract from the gesture but the fans we're taking would have gone up there anyway, because they're totally dedicated. Let's hope we give them something to get behind.
"I've been surprised by the level of support, certainly away from home. All I hear from West Ham fans is that they can't get tickets for our away games because they sell out so quickly. Perhaps I underestimated how big the Club is but I've realised since I've been here just what the Club means to the fans.
"When you give them something to get behind they are fantastic. We gave them nothing at Sheffield United but the noise levels at Everton were unbelievable. Friends of mine said they were listening to the radio and every time they cut to an update from Upton Park all they could hear was the West Ham fans."
And Curbs is looking for a response from the players after the Hammers' last away trip ended in 3-0 defeat at Bramall Lane.
"We were disappointed about the performance at Sheffield United in terms of what we've been doing in the last month or so," he said. "We created chances, had we taken them it all could have changed. They scored two avoidable goals and got a foothold. That has to change this weekend."