David Moyes admitted he has something to prove after poor managerial results in recent years
Moyes was appointed yesterday morning to succeed the sacked Slaven Bilic on an initial six month deal as manager, with a bonus of around £1 million if he keeps the club in the Premier League.
His appointment was met with dismay by many Hammers fans yesterday but the 54-year-old believes the tough times he has endured will only drive him on.
It is a managerial career which has spanned Preston. Everton, Manchester United, Real Sociedad and then latterly Sunderland, where he resigned at the end of last season when he was unable to keep the Wearside club in the Premier League.
“Yes, I think I do have something to prove. Any manager wants to win, and that’s what I want to do,” said Moyes.
“We have to get up and running right away. I wanted a job where I felt I have got a really good chance. I like the passion of the fans here, and we have to get that by getting a successful team together.
Yes, I think I do have something to prove. Any manager wants to win, and that’s what I want to do
David Moyes
“I don’t know any manager who hasn’t gone through negative periods, especially in the game today. I hope it gives me great strength and understanding of what is required.
“I have been really fortunate to see the best and what it looks like at the top, and that is where I am aiming. I’m aiming to get back to the top with the team and myself personally.’
The Hammers are third from bottom in the table and Moyes added: “The focus here is purely between now and the end of the season. The first thing is to win the next game and build from there and I’m sure we will be in a much stronger position before long.
“We have a good squad and they should be in a better position than they are and they will be come the end of the season. I have no doubts about that.”
Moyes, who took his first training session yesterday with the players who are not away on international duty, knows that as well as hitting the ground running with the team, he faces a major battle to win over the fans – sceptical after a recent record of management that does not read well.
His first match is away at Watford on Sunday week before his opening home game against Leicester the following Friday night.
GETTY
David Moyes was appointed as West Ham manager one day after Slaven Bilic was dismissed
Moyes said: “I’ve managed five clubs since starting out nearly 20 years ago, starting at Preston and then going to Everton. My period at Manchester United is well documented and I then did something I have always wanted to do by experiencing management abroad, with Real Sociedad.
“It’s only been the last job where I feel it wasn’t a good move and I didn’t enjoy the experience. So I’m hungry to make sure I get things right now.”
Moyes is expected to bring in Alan Irvine, Steve Round and Stuart Pearce to his coaching staff this week and West Ham’s co-chairman David Sullivan said: “This is a unique position for us – it is the first time in almost eight years that we have appointed a new manager during the season.
“We need somebody with experience, knowledge of the Premier League and we believe David is the right man to turn things around. He is highly regarded and respected and will bring fresh ideas, organisation and enthusiasm. He proved with Everton that he has great qualities.”
Moyes has been promised funds for new players in January, with a central midfielder one of his top priorities.
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