Alan Curbishley says he was forced to leave West Ham over the club's decision to sell defenders Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney to Sunderland.

Curbishley had been keen to bolster his squad with loan deals after being made aware that funds were tight at Upton Park.

But the board told him that players needed to be sold before new signings - even on a loan basis - could be brought in.

And following his resignation, the Daily Mail reported that the club were trying to sell Dean Ashton to Tottenham late on Monday, while Craig Bellamy was reportedly also made available for sale.

"It was a culmination of events over the weekend," Curbishley 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."

Reserve team coach Kevin Keen has been handed control of first-team affairs until a long-term successor can be found.

Slaven Bilic is the current favourite to replace Curbishley.