West Ham could appeal against the Premier League Managers Arbitration Tribunal's decision to uphold former manager Alan Curbishley's case against the club

West Ham could appeal against the Premier League Managers Arbitration Tribunal's decision to uphold former manager Alan Curbishley's case against the club.

Curbishley won his case for constructive dismissal on Tuesday and although West Ham have refused to comment on the hearing and will only do so when a fee has been announced, it has been speculated that the club are exploring avenues open to them and could launch an appeal.

He resigned after both Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney were sold to Sunderland against his wishes and although he originally asked for �1m, figures up to �4m have been touted as a possible pay-out.

The Hammers issued a counter-claim against the former Charlton boss, but that was dismissed by the panel.

"I am obviously delighted with this result," Curbishley told the press after the hearing.

"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 the club after the sale of Anton Ferdinand, I had no alternative but to resign."

The former Hammers apprentice made 85 first-team appearances for West Ham during his playing career and rejoined the club as manager in December 2006, saving them from relegation in his first season.

In his first full campaign at Upton Park, Curbishley steered West Ham to a 10th-place finish in the Premier League.