Hammers have designs on better future

Curbishley found disruptive elements in the changing room when he arrived at Upton Park in December and spoke out against the "baby Bentley culture" which had pervaded the club.

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Inspired by the goals of Carlos Tevez, West Ham eventually got their act in gear and pulled off a remarkable relegation escape with a win at Manchester United on the last day of the season.

But Curbishley's mission this summer is to sweep away the bad wood and implement some harsh lessons on those who, in his mind, got carried away with their own press for much of last season.

Curbishley believes the arrival of Scott Parker is central to that philosophy and it is no coincidence he is allowing club captain Nigel Reo-Coker to leave.

The chairman Eggert Magnusson wants the club challenging for Europe and this week left players in no doubt what was expected of them when he said: "We need grown-up men at this club to move to the next level".

Curbishley was equally as blunt in his language as he outlined the role he expects Parker to play in helping to implement that new beginning at Upton Park.

"It is not about playing for West Ham - you have to change that around a little bit - you work for West Ham," said Curbishley.

"There is a big difference between the two. I have realised my responsibility to this club over the past three or four months and the players have to realise that too.

"Scott Parker is someone vastly experienced and professional who will set the standards we are looking for on and off the pitch - that's the sort of person I need at the club.

"When Scott was playing for Charlton he was the life and soul of everything we were doing.

"He has been kind of swallowed up in the other two clubs (Chelsea and Newcastle) but I hope he can be the life and soul again at West Ham.

"I would like him to set the benchmark, not only in pre-season, but what goes on out there on the pitch. He can take the responsibility.

"We know we are a big club but we have to prove that on the pitch now."

Reo-Coker handed in a transfer request at the end of last season after deciding his future no longer lies in east London.

It is thought Aston Villa have made contact with West Ham and Curbishley will not put up a fight to keep the wantaway midfielder.

"He is a West Ham player at the moment but he has made clear his desire to leave. We responded to that request and we will see where we go," said Curbishley, who added that no formal bid had yet been received.

This is all new territory for Curbishley. He has never had a bottomless pit of money to spend and has never been able to bid for leading Premiership players.

Magnusson would like to add three new "quality players" and keep hold of Tevez. That all comes with its own pressures, but its also brings an air of excitement to the club.

"The last time I had any money to spend was when I sold Scott Parker (to Chelsea from Charlton)," Curbishley laughed.

"But I am not saying I will sign 11 players and move everyone out. We have a strong squad here when they are all fit.

"Lucas Neill and Luis Boa Morte were the only players involved on the last day at Old Trafford who weren't here when I arrived.

"Danny Gabiddon was player of the year in 2006 and I missed him greatly. Matthew Upson and Dean Ashton have barely kicked a ball because of injury - that is £13million of talent.

"If there are players who can improve us, we will try to get them. If I can add to the squad I will but if nothing else happens until we kick off, I have a lot to work with."