Alan Curbishley is stunned by the ambitious plans West Ham United owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson has for the club.

Gudmundsson will replace Eggert Magnusson today as Hammers chairman and the Independent says Gudmundsson is realistic about what he expects from Curbishley and the club. He is content with a mid-table finish this season - especially after the trials and tribulations of the last campaign, when relegation was only staved off by an incredible run of seven wins from West Ham's last nine League games, and the Carlos Tevez affair.

But Gudmundsson then wants West Ham to push into Europe and to challenge for a Champions League place. He is willing to pour more finance into the transfer market, though major purchases are not expected in January, partly because Curbishley has not had anything near a fit squad so far this season, and building the club. But Gudmundsson is also adamant, according to sources, that it will be run as a proper business. His ambitions are said to have even stunned Curbishley.