FRANK LAMPARD SNR admits he is shocked that Alan Curbishley has walked out on West Ham.

Curbishley quit his role as Hammers boss today, with reports he was disillusioned at the sale of Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney to Sunderland.

The 50-year-old believes he was undermined by the club's boards in the transfers.

But he also came in for some stick from the Hammers fans, who perceived his style of play as being negative.

Yet he had a chronic injury list to his squad to deal with for virtually the entire 20 months he was in charge.

And Lampard - a Hammers legend after 19 years and almost 600 appearances spent as a player at Upton Park - reckons things were just starting to come together for the Charlton manager.

"I thought they might have given him a bit more time," he said on Radio Five Live.

"The fans were 50-50 with Alan. West Ham fans demand attacking, good football and that is what he has been trying to achieve.

"I know he had ideas about what he wanted to put into place this season, but things have been taken out of his hands by the hierarchy and now we are left with this."

He added: "Players might have left the club he didn't want to leave.

"Knowing Alan, he's quite a strong character, and I don't think he would be able to live with that. Maybe that is whay he has decided to make the move."

Lampard though, is sure Curbishley will be back in management soon.

"I think he's a terrific manager but he's had a hard time at West Ham," he added.

"I'm disappointed with some of the things that have gone on there, and some of the players might have to hold their hands up aswell. They haven't done their job at the right time.

"But I am sure he will get another job quickly."