Alan Curbishley resigned from West Ham United just days from his planned dismissal, it has been revealed.

The Hammers board were due to convene in the early evening at Upton Park on Friday September 5, 2008 - just two days after Curbishley quit, claiming he had been undermined by the club in the transfer market, says the Sunday Mirror.

But unknown to him, former club owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson had already decided to make a change and bring in a new manager.

Curbishley was celebrating last week after winning his case for constructive dismissal against West Ham and stands to win about £1.5million when the arbitration board set a compensation figure in January.

The club strongly believed Curbishley's decision to walk out effectively waived his rights to any pay-off.

The decision to relieve Curbishley of his duties followed widespread complaints.

Six players went to senior management complaining about him, staff questioned his training methods and fans bombarded the club demanding his head.