Keegan walked out on Newcastle last night complaining about not having the final say on transfers.

Curbishley departed West Ham earlier in the week after failing to reconcile similar issues at Upton Park.

Brooking can appreciate the difficulties both men have had.

"Newcastle and West Ham have similarities where managers have queried roles and responsibilities at the club and have parted company on almost the same issue," he told Radio 5 Live.

"I don't know how it functions but knowing Alan and Kevin I'm sure when they took the job they always thought they had the final say on players coming in and out.

"When you stand on the touchline on match days most of the fans assume most of the players and people around are your decision and you brought them in.

"In the end they (the manager) will be in the firing line so both of them (Keegan and Curbishley) felt that was the case and felt that was why they couldn't carry on."