WEST HAM insist they will not have to sell players to cover any compensation payment for former boss Alan Curbishley, writes DAVE EVANS. Curbs won his case for constructive dismissal at a tribunal this week, and though the final compensation figure could

WEST HAM insist they will not have to sell players to cover any compensation payment for former boss Alan Curbishley, writes DAVE EVANS.

Curbs won his case for constructive dismissal at a tribunal this week, and though the final compensation figure could reach as much as �3million, West Ham say they have already budgeted for a possible loss.

Despite that, the club were surprised they lost the case which centred on Curbishley's departure, two days after the transfer window closed in September 2008.

The manager felt that his position had become untenable following the sale of defenders Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney and stressed his contract gave him the final say on players coming in or out of the club.

"I am obviously delighted with the result," said the former boss, who has not been employed in football since leaving his post.

"I very much enjoyed my time at West Ham and never wanted to leave, but on joining the club I insisted that my contract contained a clause confirming that I would have final say on the selection of players to be transferred to and from the club.

"The club completely ignored my contract when selling Anton Ferdinand, and when George McCartney was then sold, the club, having given me assurances that no players would be leaving, after the sale of Anton Ferdinand, I had no alternative but to resign.

"My authority and integrity were undermined and my position was made untenable. I now wish to put this entire matter behind me."

West Ham are considering their options with regard to a possible appeal, but will wait to see what the compensation figure is before making any decision.

McCartney stated in Saturday's Sunderland programme that he left Upton Park for family reasons, while West Ham argued that Curbishley agreed to the sale of Ferdinand.

However, once again a judgement has gone against West Ham, something they must be getting used to.

Whether they have budgeted for the loss or not, it is another blow to the club who are still searching for a buyer.

But as far as West Ham is concerned it is business as usual, and rumours that this latest setback may plunge them into administration have been described by one insider as 'well wide of the mark'.