ALAN CURBISHLEY has sensationally resigned as West Ham manager.

It is believed the 50-year-old's exit comes in protest at the sale of Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney to Sunderland, which he believes came against his wishes.

Cracks in his relationship with the board were already starting to show earlier this summer after they paid off high earner Freddie Ljungberg. The Swede still had two years left on a three-year contract but was still given the boot.

And the pressure really began to mount last week when Ferdinand joined the Black Cats in an £8million deal.

That came just days after the Irons chief had rubbished that the centre back would be leaving.

The same happened again on Saturday when, after seeing his side win 4-1 against Blackburn, he categorically denied that no-one else would be leaving Upton Park before the transfer deadline - McCartney subsequently joined the Mackems in a £5.5million deal, allbeit after handing in a transfer request.

Curbishley also feels the club failed to back him in the transfer market, which showed with the club signing a relatively unknown pair - Italian striker David Di Michele and Congolese left-back Herita Ilunga - on season-long loan deals.

A statement on the club's website confirmed Curbishley's departure.

"We can confirm that we have accepted Alan Curbishley's resignation as we feel it is in the best interests of both parties. We wish Alan all the success in the future.

"A shortlist of candidates is being drawn up."

Curbishley joined the Irons in December 2006 and steered the club clear of relegation that season.

And, despite being hampered by a chronic injury list, he guided the team to a tenth place finish last season.