 Magnusson hailed Alan Curbishley following the Hammers' survival |
West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson could not hide his delight after his side ensured their Premiership survival with a 1-0 win at Manchester United. His club's victory sent down Sheffield United after the Blades lost to Wigan.
The Icelander said: "I pay tribute to manager Alan Curbishley, the players and fans. I feel such joy and pride."
And in a clear reference to the ongoing furore over the Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano deals, he added: "It is right it was decided on the pitch."
United and Wigan have threatened legal action after the Premier League decided not to dock the Hammers points, despite finding them guilty of irregularities over the pair's signing last summer.
 | I hope I never have to go through it again and I hope West Ham never have to go through it again |
Ironically, Tevez got the goal that ensured the club's survival and Magnusson added: "Of course I feel sympathy for the clubs who are no longer in the Premiership but, in the end, I believe it is right that football matters are decided on the pitch.
"To have won seven games out of nine is a genuine achievement and should not be forgotten as people reflect on the Premiership season.
"We have shown this is a club with a great fighting spirit and a group of players who know how to win.
"Now we can look ahead to moving forward as a club and building on what we have achieved this season."
| 606: DEBATE |
Referring to the Premier League's ruling, Curbishley added: ""It's out of my hands but I don't think the decision will be overturned.
"It's something that happened before I got to the club but the Premier League have had their inquiry and given their verdict.
"All we could do was concentrate on playing football but maybe other people have concentrated on the verdict a bit too much."
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Interview: West Ham boss Alan Curbishley