Hammers on an upward Curb

I sincerely doubt that, subsequent to the end of the 2006/07 Premiership campaign, any footballing subject has absorbed more column inches than the seemingly never ending saga surrounding Carlos Tevez. It's all rather bizarre. However, West Ham's Premier League status is very much intact and while the spotlight has been shining brightly on the ensuing controversy and conflict, behind the scenes, Alan Curbishley, with the help of chairman Eggert Magnusson, has been doing good business in the transfer market. Curbishley has lured a proven goalscorer in Craig Bellamy, an excellent addition to the striking ranks which already include Bobby Zamora and Dean Ashton, while Scott Parker and Julien Faubert, a £6.1million signing from Bordeaux, will bolster the midfield, as will the capture of Freddie Ljungberg from Arsenal. And, if the rumour mill is to be believed, classy Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen could also be on his way to east London. Kieron Dyer could also be unveiled as a new signing at Upton Park before the start of the season. Ironically, Lee Bowyer, whom Dyer had an on-field fracas with during Newcastle's 3-0 home defeat against Aston Villa in April 2005, has been instrumental in the Hammers' bid to acquire the midfielder. The consistent theme with all West Ham's signings is that they all still have a point to prove for varying reasons. Some will question the manager's record in that he had long been on a plateau at Charlton, establishing them as a mid-table side, and some may expect West Ham to be just that, a mid-table side. However, this is unfair since Curbishley had no resources when in charge of the south east London outfit. Conversely, with Magnusson's millions to play with - and having secured good fees for Marlon Harewood and Nigel Reo-Coker - he's finally got the opportunity to prove that, with the right backing, he can take a club like West Ham forward. West Ham will not win the Premier League nor will they finish in the top four. But at 11/2 with bet365, they're a cracking bet to finish in the top six. Newcastle, Everton, Aston Villa, Blackburn and Portsmouth are all sure to have their moments during the forthcoming campaign, but West Ham should prove to be a better side than each of these. The Hammers are capable of playing very attractive football and it was no fluke that they did the double on both Arsenal and Manchester United last term. Verdict: 2pts West Ham to finish in the top 6 @ 11/2 (bet365)