Curbishley Sidesteps Tigers Preferring West Ham Job Instead

So, on the surface, Hull have simply decided to win ugly by appointing ex Hammers gargoyle Ian-My-Best-Ever-Goal-Was-In-My-Own-Net-Dowie as manager. But far more significant than the appointment of Dowie is the speed with which Turds fell off their radar. When Brown was shown the door, all the clever money appeared to be on Curbishley replacing him, but within 24 hours, Pearson was categorically denying that Turds was on his short list. From favourite to complete non runner in so short a space of time seems a startling turn around. How can we explain it?

Well how about this for a scenario? On Saturday, Curbishley spoke to Sullivan after the thumping at Chelsea and Diddy David told him that he had been unable to persuade Gold that it was the right time to change the manager. Assurances were given that, one way or another, Zola would go before the end of July but Curbishley, when he asked, was told he was free to consider a short term position in the interim. Unbeknown to Sullivan, Pearson had already been in touch with Turds after news broke of the fight between Barmby and Bullard, asking him if we would fancy the Hull job, but Turds had replied he would only be interested in a position until the end of the season.

Pearson was happy with that, sacked Brown and told the press he was confident of having somebody in position quickly to manage the club through to the end of the season. Word then got out that Curbishley had been approached and Sullivan blew a gasket. Curbishley received a call asking him what the fcuk he was thinking of and Sullivan told him, in no uncertain terms, that if he took the Hull job and kept them up, at the expense of West Ham, then he could forget about ever returning to Upton Park. Faced with the prospect of having to tow his caravan north on a permanent basis, Curbishley promptly pulled out of the Hull job, after receiving a firm promise from Sullivan that he would be appointed West Ham manager before the end of July. Pearson was suddenly left high and dry and was reduced to appointing Dowie with nobody else available or willing to take the job.

It would still be hugely ironic if Dowie, a figure of contempt (if not hate) for many Hammers fans, were to keep Hull up at our expense. Then Sullivan might wish he had let Pearson have Curbishley after all!