Curbishley walks out on West Ham

Just three games into the season and the Premier League's annual managerial merry-go-round began in earnest today as the West Ham manager Alan Curbishley resigned. Curbishley blamed a "breach of trust and confidence" for his sudden departure from Upton Park. A day earlier, it was reported that the Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan had walked out on his team, claims denied by the club's management though Keegan's future remains very unclear. Curbishley became the first managerial casualty of the season, leaving his post over a row regarding the make up of the Hammers' playing squad. In a statement released via the League Managers' Association he said: "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." Curbishley, who joined the club in Dec 2006, was reported to be unhappy with the sale of full-back George McCartney to Sunderland on transfer deadline day, having been assured no other players would leave Upton Park after Anton Ferdinand's prior departure to the Stadium of Light. 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." * With agencies