Curbishley resigned this week as he was dismayed at their transfer policy and the decision to sell the Northern Ireland defender to Sunderland.

As he prepared for the World Cup qualifier against Slovakia, McCartney pointed an accusing finger at the board and claimed he would have been happy to stay at Upton Park.

McCartney helped the side defeat Blackburn on Saturday but 48 hours later on transfer deadline day he was heading for a second spell at Sunderland.

He said: "I have seen on the West Ham website I handed in a written transfer request.

"I never did anything of the sort. Probably the board at West Ham are trying to cover their tracks.

"I did propose that for family reasons I would like to move back north. But the manager said 'no' I wasn't leaving and just to concentrate on West Ham.

"I was happy to stay. That was on the Friday and I played my part in the Blackburn game on the Saturday.

"The thought of leaving was finished as far as I was concerned but then something changed. I got on an indication on Sunday that I could be on my way.

"These are strange times at West Ham and no-one really knows what is going on at boardroom level."

McCartney has nothing but admiration for Curbishley and the job he did at the club.

The former Charlton boss saw the need to leave even though West Ham have won two of their three Premier League matches.

McCartney said: "They (the board) have not been behind Alan Curbishley since the start of the season.

"It was a difficult time for him - they did not trust him with any money to spend.

"I cannot understand how a manager can be under so much pressure. He saved us from relegation and we finished 10th last year. This season has been the club's best start for years.

"I loved my time under Alan Curbishley, got on well with him and never had any problems with him. West Ham was the place to be and I loved my two years there."

While McCartney was disappointed in the way he left London, he is relishing the challenge of working under Roy Keane.

"Maybe I can help get Sunderland to a higher level," said the full-back. "Certainly that is the challenge and one I am looking forward to.

"Roy Keane did a good job getting the team promoted and then establishing them in the Premier League.

"He asks for 100% effort and commitment but that is not something I am afraid off. I am looking forward to getting started."

First up though is a tricky qualifier and McCartney added: "We need to improve our away form, that's the key. It has been poor the last few years.

"If we can marry that with the way we play at Windsor Park we can take a step closer to qualification."

Northern Ireland have received a boost ahead of the game with experienced winger Keith Gillespie set to start following an ankle injury.

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans is also in the frame after being troubled by a hip problem.

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McCartney's claims were disputed by West Ham with the club issuing a statement insisting the player had handed in a written transfer request.

The statement added: "On Sunday, August 31, a senior club official wrote to McCartney stating: 'No-one wants to sell. If you are happy to stay, great, it ends here. I thought you were unhappy and wanted to go.'

"The player then restated his desire to leave before handing in the written transfer request on Monday."