David Moyes urges West Ham fans to unite behind him as he's appointed new manager with mission to steer them clear of relegation scrap

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David Moyes has called for West Ham fans to get behind him after being confirmed as their new manager.

The former Everton, Manchester United and Sunderland boss has been handed an initial six-month deal, taking him through until the end of the season, after replacing Slaven Bilic who was sacked on Monday.

Croatian boss Bilic oversaw a difficult start to the campaign, managing just two wins from 11 Premier League matches before leaving with the club in the relegation zone.

David Moyes has been unveiled as the manager of West Ham United 

The ex-Everton, Manchester United and Sunderland boss takes over at the London Stadium

The Scot takes over at West Ham with the club currently in the Premier League relegation zone

The Scot's task is to establish the Hammers in mid-table. He is expected to appoint former England international Stuart Pearce as part of his coaching staff.

Alan Irvine and Chris Woods, who is already at the London Stadium as a goalkeeping coach, will also be part of the 54-year-old's team.

Moyes is expected to take training for the first time on Tuesday and his first match will be at Watford on November 19.  

In his unveiling video on West Ham's Twitter account, Moyes attempted to rally the fans, saying: 'I'm really looking forward to meeting the supporters, being in the stadium with them.

'I'm looking forward to seeing them getting right behind the team and my team also. We need the support, we need everyone with us. 

'It's a big job we have in hand now but I'm sure with everybody together we can get the right results between now and the end of the season.'

Moyes adjusts his tie in the images released by West Ham to accompany the announcement 

The Scot's first match in charge of West Ham is at Watford on November 19

In an interview with West Ham's website, Moyes added: 'It feels great to be here. West Ham is a big club. Wherever you go they are known.

'I've been really fortunate in that I've managed some really great clubs, and I have been offered some other opportunities recently.

'But I wanted a job that would give me a real good chance. I wanted a big fanbase, a big club, and West Ham fitted the bill.

'I'm really just looking forward to getting started, because we are now in the season and we have to get up-and-running right away to get the job done.

'We are without some players at the moment who are away on international duty but we will get the chance to work with the players who are here this week and I am looking forward to it.' 

Moyes replaces Slaven Bilic, who was sacked following Saturday's 4-1 loss to Liverpool

Moyes will be charged with getting West Ham out of the Premier League relegation zone

The two-week international break gives Moyes the chance to get to know his players on the training ground and prepare for vital matches ahead.

He added: 'It gives me a chance to get settled in and get to know how things work. I think we've got a good squad. At the moment they should be in a better position than they are, and I believe they will be come the end of the season. I've got no doubts about that, but ultimately we have to show it on the pitch.

'I hope West Ham fans are going to see a team that is organised and disciplined. But I have always only ever wanted to be involved with attacking, entertaining football. And I feel really confident with the group of players we have got here that we can provide that.

'West Ham supporters are a very passionate group, and we need them behind us. How do we do that? By building a successful team, with good players playing well, and that's what we are aiming to do.' 

Hammers joint-chairman David Sullivan said: 'I would like to welcome David to West Ham United.

'This is a unique position for David Gold and myself - it is the first time in almost eight years at West Ham United that we have appointed a new manager during the season.

'We need somebody with experience, knowledge of the Premier League and the players in it, and we believe David is the right man to turn things around and get the best out of the players at the club. 

'He is highly regarded and respected within the game, and will bring fresh ideas, organisation and enthusiasm.

'He proved with Everton that he has great qualities and we feel that West Ham United is a club that will give David the platform to display those qualities again.'  

Moyes spoke to the West Ham fans in a video announcing his appointment on Twitter

The short clip featured Moyes asking the fans to rally around the players in forthcoming games

West Ham have to make up just one point at present to climb back out of the stadium

A statement released by the club read: 'West Ham United can confirm the appointment of David Moyes as the club's manager.

'The 54-year-old Scotsman arrives with tremendous experience and pedigree, having managed in the Premier League for 14 seasons, with eight of the last nine ending in top eight finishes.

'The former Preston, Everton, Manchester United, Real Sociedad and Sunderland boss has been voted the League Managers' Association Manager of the Year on three occasions, in 2003, 2005 and 2009, and won 10 Premier League Manager of the Month awards.

'He enjoyed a magnificent eleven-year tenure at Goodison Park, leading the Toffees to the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and an FA Cup final, before being hand-picked by Sir Alex Ferguson as his successor at Manchester United in the summer of 2013.' 

Moyes will work with the players over the international break before a run of three games he would hope to take points from. West Ham go to Watford, host Leicester and then visit Moyes' former side Everton.

In a statement on Monday, West Ham's co-chairmen Gold and Sullivan said: 'We see this as an exciting opportunity to appoint a quality manager to the position to inject fresh ideas, organisation and enthusiasm into a very talented squad.'