Curbishley quits West Ham

Alan Curbishley has resigned as West Ham manager, the Premier League club confirmed on Wednesday.

Curbishley's decision to quit was apparently triggered by the departures of Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney to Sunderland just before the transfer deadline.

He had wanted to keep both defenders but the club's board allowed the sales to go through. Curbishley responded by tendering his resignation on Wednesday and it was immediately accepted by West Ham owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson.

A club statement said: “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 and an announcement will be made in due course about the new West Ham United manager.”

Despite being under heavy pressure from fans unhappy with the club's mediocre performances last season, Curbishley, who took charge at Upton Park in December 2006, led West Ham to two wins from their first three matches but his lack of control over transfers appears to have proved the final straw.

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic, a former West Ham player, is the early favourite to replace Curbishley.