The Totally Football Show with James Richardson Totally Extra: West Ham 06/07 - Tevez, Mascherano, Pards & Curbs
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Oct 18, 2025 
Alan Curbishley, the former West Ham manager, shares his thrilling insights from the 2006-07 season. He discusses the shock signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano and the chaotic aftermath that nearly led to relegation. Curbishley reflects on pivotal moments, including a heart-to-heart with Tevez that inspired his game-changing goals. The conversation dives into the miracle escape on the final day against Manchester United and the legal battles that followed his departure from the club.
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Icelandic Credit Boom Backfired
- Icelandic banking deregulation created rapid private wealth that funded risky football takeovers.
- When the 2008 credit crash hit, owners' UK assets froze under the Anti‑Terrorism Act, imperilling clubs.
Curbs' Chilly Arrival
- Alan Curbishley walked into West Ham mid-December and expected quick wins but found the squad performing poorly and morale low.
- His first matches included a shock win over Man United, yet the team then went ten games without victory.
Hidden Ownership Triggered Crisis
- The takeover due diligence revealed third‑party ownership and nondisclosure around Tevez and Mascherano.
- That breach triggered legal action and a £5.5m fine, risking a catastrophic points deduction.