ALAN CURBISHLEY has revealed that a "breach of trust" with the West Ham board forced him out of the club.

The 50-year-old resigned his post at Upton Park in protest that player dealings were bing managed without his consent which, he claims, made his position untenable.

In a statement released via the League Managers' Association, Curbishley said: "I started my West Ham United career when I left school in 1974 and have remained a lifelong fan.

"I have been incredibly proud to manage such a great club and my decision to resign has been very tough.

"The selection of players is critical to the job of the manager and I had an agreement with the club that I alone would determine the composition of the squad.

"However, the club continued to make significant player decisions without involving me. In the end such a breach of trust and confidence meant that I had no option but to leave.

"Nevertheless, I wish the club and the players every success in the future."

It is believed Curbishley was growing extensively unhappy with the transfer policies of the club's Icelandic owners.

Cracks started to appear in the relationship when Freddie Ljungberg was paid off earlier in the summer.

And the sale of Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney, both to Sunderland, within the past week seems to have been the final nail in the coffin.

However, the club has defended its actions in the transfer market.

A statement on the club's website - released before news of Curbishley's departure - reads: "The transfers of Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney along with the release of Freddie Ljungberg were right for the club and decisions had to be taken based on our best long-term interests.

"In the past week, agreement could not be reached with Ferdinand on a new contract to replace his original deal that had just two years left to run while McCartney handed in a formal written transfer request after failing to resolve his personal reasons for wanting a move away."