Listen - West Ham 2-2 Aston Villa - Curbishley hails 'progress'

Listen to Alan Curbishley's post-Villa press conference!

In contrast to their last campaign, this season has been a welcome relief for West Ham fans. Following the nail biting threat of relegation last year, this season has been one of relative comfort for those flocking to the Boleyn. Never in danger of going down, but also never really threatening to push into the top 6.

However that would be welcomed by most supporters, despite a crippling injury crisis which has seen most of the club's star summer signings rarely play as Craig Bellamy, Kieron Dyer, Freddie Ljungberg, Scott Parker and Julien Faubert have all had extensive time off for various long term problems.

After Dean Ashton levelled late on against Aston Villa to make it 2-2 at Upton Park, Alan Curbishley reflected on the season as a whole and believes short term progress has been made. 'Curbs' admits though that the team need to push on next season and eventually try and gain automatic qualification to the UEFA Cup.

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