Boss Curbishley quits Hammers
Alan Curbishley resigns as West Ham United manager
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Wednesday, 03, Sep 2008 11:41
Alan Curbishley has resigned as West Ham United manager with immediate effect, the club has announced.
The former Charlton Athletic boss was unhappy at events leading up to the transfer deadline on Monday, when defender George McCartney was sold against his wishes to Sunderland.
Fellow defender Anton Ferdinand was also transferred to the Black Caps in the summer, while the only strengthening Curbishley was able to undertake on deadline day was to bring in Italian striker David di Michele, Congolese left-back Herita Ilunga and young Hungarian Balint Bajner on loan deals.
And in a statement issued on Curbishley's behalf by the League Managers Association (LMA), the Hammers boss blamed the club's "unilateral actions around player transfers" for causing "irreparable damage" to his working relationship with the directors.
Curbishley explained: "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."
LMA chief executive Richard Bevan explained that the LMA has been working with Curbishley "over the past few days in an attempt to resolve his grievances with his employers".
However, Bevan added: "Sadly for West Ham United and Alan, reconciliation was not possible in the circumstances."
A brief statement from the club earlier this afternoon read: "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."
The Hammers also said a shortlist of candidates "is being drawn up" and that an announcement would be made on Curbishley's successor "in due course".
Current Croatia coach and former Hammers defender Slaven Bilic is expected to head the list of possible new managers, and has already been installed as the early front-runner for the job by the bookies.
In a more general statement from the club released before the news on Curbishley broke, the West Ham board stood by its movements in the summer transfer window - specifically the controversial sales of Ferdinand and McCartney and the decision to release midfielder Freddie Ljungberg.
"Unsurprisingly, this summer we received a number of significant bids for leading players - in itself emphasising the high number of quality internationals at Alan Curbishley's disposal - and all were rejected," the statement said.
"However, in particular, 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."
West Ham United chairman and owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson said: "In my first full season as chairman of this great football club, I can assure our loyal supporters that we are working hard to bring sustained success to West Ham United.
"Everyone, including the CEO and board, is committed to this common goal. We have a long-term strategy that takes into account all aspects of West Ham United's past, present and future and we will not be deterred.
"Our fans can look forward to many positive years on and off the pitch."