Hammers look forward

The Hammers will now begin the search for a fifth manager in seven years - with former defender Slaven Bilic, the Croatia coach, said to top the board's shortlist.

But Hammers chairman and owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson maintains the east London club are heading in the right direction saying: "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."

He added: "Everyone, including the chief executive 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."

Under the direction of the Icelandic owners and new technical director Gianluca Nani, high earners such as Freddie Ljungberg departed over the summer as the squad, and wage bill, was cut down to size with John Pantsil, Bobby Zamora and keeper Richard Wright all sold off.

They were followed by first Anton Ferdinand and then fellow defender George McCartney, on transfer deadline day.

Those sales were against Curbishley's long-term plans for the team and there were suggestions such moves could be made again in the future, whatever the manager felt was the right course of action. That proved a step too far for Curbishley, who started his playing career at Upton Park.

"I felt I could just not stand by and let what happened [pass], especially at the weekend, so I made a decision," Curbishley said. "Some managers may not have taken this action, but I could not sit around and be silent on it."