Alan Curbishley has spoken about the challenge posed by
Bolton Wanderers this afternoon and his friendship with their
departing manager Sam Allardyce.
"I spoke to Sam in the week," said Curbs. "He said
he's been thinking about doing it for a while. I think he was
looking forward to having a break and perhaps a holiday. I think he
just wanted a bit of time off to think about himself for a while.
"I don't know if it's a good or a bad time to play
them. It's Sammy Lee's first game in charge and they'll
be trying to cement themselves for Europe. Both teams have a lot
riding on it and I'm sure that'll make for an exciting
game.
"But our work rate in recent games has been there for everyone
to see. And it gives us something to get behind."
Curbs also expressed his thoughts on the West Ham United supporters
- and the key role they'll be playing today.
"The atmosphere at Upton Park in the last four of five games
has been fantastic," he said. "That has set the tempo for
us and I'm sure it will be like that today.
"They did everyone proud last week at Wigan, espeically
during the minute's applause to commemorate the life of Alan
Ball. I was massively impressed with their response; it was really
heartfelt.
"They inspire us one the pitch as well and, in recent
times, results have bred confidence in the side and I hope we can
continue that."
But, although the Hammers boss also believes a result today is
important, he insists it isn't imperative.
"Oddly enough, this will be the third time I'll have been
at Old Trafford for the final game of the season in the last four
or five years," he said. "We have to go there and get a
result, but Derby County did it a few years ago when they were in a
similar position.
"Today's game isn't the be all and end all. If we get
the win it will give us a big lift but there's still another
game to be played."