Former West Ham boss Alan Pardew believes he deserved more time to try to turn things round at Upton Park.
Pardew was sacked by new chairman Eggert Magnusson last week after a run of three defeats in which his side failed to score a goal.
"I think I maybe deserved a bit more than that," Pardew, who was replaced by Alan Curbishley, told Sky Sports News.
"He offered me 'mutual consent' but I wasn't going to accept that because I thought I could turn things around."
Despite his disappointment, Pardew is forecasting a bright future for the Hammers under his successor Curbishley.
"There are a lot of things that are going to work for Curbs at West Ham," said Pardew.
"He's going to inherit a great squad, he's got money in the transfer window and he's got Dean Ashton coming back."
Meanwhile, West Ham striker Carlos Tevez says he cannot believe Pardew was not sacked earlier.
Tevez, 22, told the News of the World: "I was surprised to see how long Pardew held on to the job in the end.
"I don't think Pardew had a clear idea about my game or what to do"
"In Argentina or Brazil he would have been out long ago. It was clear the team did not react as he wanted - it wasn't going right."
The Argentine has yet to score a competitive goal for the Hammers since his move from Brazilian club Corinthians last August and has struggled to command a regular first-team place.
He added: "I was never given the chances I thought I would be given and I was told to play out of position against my will.
"I don't think Pardew had a clear idea about my game or what to do.
"He was a good football man but more suited to coaching English teams without foreign players with big reputations.
"I think that was a big problem for him."
Tevez insists he is keen to help West Ham push up the table and is relishing working with new manager Curbishley.
He said: "I want to win with this team and a lot of people have told me great things about the new coach, so I want to start scoring for him and start helping West Ham win matches.
"The fans have been fantastic towards me and I thank them. Now I want to repay them."