New Sunderland signing George McCartney has blasted the West Ham United board after Alan Curbishley's departure this week.

The sale of defenders McCartney and Anton Ferdinand to Sunderland is said to have triggered Curbishley walking out of Upton Park on Wednesday.

"Curbishley's views were that Anton and I weren't going anywhere," McCartney told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"But the club went behind his back and accepted the fees.

"What's gone on with Alan Curbishley is very disappointing.

"I was disappointed when he said that mine and Anton's sales were the main reasons [for his departure] but I understand fully that he wasn't getting the backing from the board or the club.

"Over those two years, he's taken the club forward, staved off relegation and finished 10th last year - that was a great achievement.

"But the board had different feelings; they spent a lot of money and were probably looking for more success.

"He hasn't had any money to spend to strengthen the team and those at the club are selling the players behind his back.

"I couldn't see why he was under so much pressure. He's a great guy and I've never had any problems with him."