16 years ago, a young Alan Curbishley signed on as joint manager of a small southeast London football club—and proceeded to change football forever.
That was 1991. At the end of the 2005-06 campaign, Curbishley stood down as Charlton manager after 14 seasons of hard work, perseverance, and more hard work.
What did Curbishley leave?
A legacy.
Charlton Athletic had no money, no ground, and no squad when Alan Curbishley started his managerial career.
He left after creating a team that punched above its weight time and again—from beating Arsenal at Highbury to knocking Champions-elect Chelsea out of the Carling Cup in 2005.
The franchise itself is not recognisable from 1991. A 27,171-seat stadium exists where a wasteland was before. How did Curbishley change Charlton, and football?
Simply through his skills as a manager.
For starters, he was able buy quality players and produce young talent through Charlton's youth system. If you look at the players Curbishley bought who went on to better things, you'll find the likes of Danny Mills, Lee Bowyer, Scott Parker, and most recently Darren Bent.
All players worthy of mention—and all players who've picked up caps for England at one point or another.
After 14 years of service, Curbishley was applauded out the front door at Charlton, taking his leave by mutual agreement. Few managers in modern football live to see their home supporters singing their praises—and even crying for their loss.
Sir Alex Ferguson may leave to a standing ovation, and Arsene Wenger may do the same—but few other head men will garner the praise and support Curbishley received when he left Charlton.
Curbishley took the reins at West Ham the next very next season, and almost immediately transformed the ailing club into a competitive team—despite the media furor over Carlos Tevez and Sheffield United's misery.
Throughout his career, Curbishley has known how to get the best out of his players—and how to get rid of the bad eggs.
Andy Todd was immediately transfer-listed when he attacked goalkeeper Dean Kiely. Paulo Di Canio's dive against West Brom was rewarded with Di Canio's being dropped from the squad for three weeks.
Curbishley always commands the utmost respect from his players, and has never been afraid to speak to the press. He has always been a gentleman, be it in defeat or in victory.
Twice now has Curbishley made something out of nothing for the clubs under his control. Some say it's too early to tell if his reign at West Ham has been successful, but 10th in the current EPL table is nothing to sneeze at—and notable victories over Arsenal and Manchester United have earned Curb the media's respect.
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11 months ago
(West Ham Supporter.) I was not in favour of Curbs as manager for England, as it will show on my Blog http://ironworker.wordpress.com/2007/12/08/curbs-england-i-think-not/ but after reading your article, i think maybe, you could be right.!
If he does make it to be England Manager, he will get my backing and loyalty, im sure.
11 months ago
Another great read Simon. He must surely be considered!
11 months ago
Great article..but wid due respect i must say that Charlton were the whipping boys in the season they relegated...they stared the season brilliantly and stayed at the top half table for around 6 -7 matches..then everything fell apart....Let's c whether they can climb up to the place where they belong
from 11 months ago
Whipping boys? What about bloody Watford?!! We didn't come bottom you know!
from 11 months ago
Further, Curbishley wasn't in charge the season we were relegated - he was in charge...of fellow strugglers west ham!!! And he kept them up.
from 11 months ago
I must emphasise I'm not having a go at you personally shiekh, but why is it that it's only ever us remembered as Whipping boys?
11 months ago
Top class article mate!
11 months ago
wohoho...i shud have thought of another phrase instead of 'whipping boys'. ..I was actually poitnign out the aftermath of Curbishley's departure. Ppl will remeber Charlton with both good reasons and bad reasons...good reasonsare that they have stayed up for more than 7 to 8 years (not sure exactly), and that they had a father-like manager, and that they never gave up.
If Curbs was given enuf time to bounce back, then Charlton might have escaped the gravity of the Championship. Yes, Watford are far worse than Charlton Athletic.
11 months ago
Simon seriously I know curbs was good at Charlton, I will not be stupid enough to say otherwise. But McClaren was good at boro, Errickson at Lazio, and may i say at City too. Englands national team do not need a lagacy, it needs success, when he took over at Charlton there was no certainty there would be a valley floyed road 15 years after when he left. England will always fill the Stadium, even if the state of the pitch does resemble that of a certain beach at stamford bridge. We (England) need a boss who can walk in there, into the dressing room and the players will say yes sir, we will do as u ask sir. Do you think McClaren asked Lampard and Gerrard to both attack??? No is the answer, they just showed the arrogance that comes with 100k per week. that is the same reason barry, richards, phillips, and heskey were so good, they wanted to play, and did what he asked. I cant explain Downings poor performances lol.
I also must disagree with your presumption that Curbishly would drop the star names, i doubt he would, he may try it, like McClaren did with Beckham, but in the end it would not last. one wrong result and back they would come. I can not say who would be the best England manager, People say he must be English and if so Curbishly is probably the best out there. I think Capello would be wrong, and so would Mourinho. If truth be told I would put the umbrella in charge, at least we wouldn't have to pay that 2 million to go away.
ps sorry about the long comment
from 11 months ago
Not a problem, long comments are better than the short comments - more insight. I think the Brolly has left it too late to apply for the job though...
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