DEPARTING West Ham boss Alan Curbishley claims he was “gutted” after felling forced out of the club.

The 50-year-old, former Charlton boss had originally joined the Hammers in 1975 as a player, and spent four years at Upton Park before joining Birmingham.

He returned to the club in 2006 as manager after replacing Alan Pardew, although despite guiding the Irons to their best Premier League start in nine years decided to walk after players were sold behind his back.

And it seems the sales to Sunderland of Anton Ferdinand and particularly the late departure of George McCartney wrangled the former Charlton chief, who it seems felt was having the rug pulled from under his feet.

“It was a culmination of events over the weekend," he told Sky Sports News.

"I was vehemently against the transfer of McCartney because of the injuries to other defenders.

"I was looking at that, along with the sale of Anton Ferdinand, and thinking we are quite stretched. That got to me more than anything.

"On Sunday morning I went into a meeting at Upton Park with [CEO] Scott Duxbury to discuss perhaps hoping to bring some loans in.

"I was told I wouldn't be in that position unless someone left the club. Straight away I said 'let's all go home then. I don't want anyone to leave. I am quite happy we just get on with it as we are'.

"It's been an agonising couple of days. I understand the fans' feelings. But I just felt I couldn't stand by after what had happened at the weekend.

"I think I took the criticism I received from the press and the fans in a dignified manner. I am absolutely gutted I have had to come to this decision."