West Ham have confirmed the appointment of David Moyes as their new manager.
Moyes replaces Slaven Bilic, who was sacked on Monday.
The Scot enjoyed a successful 11 years at Everton but his managerial career since has included failures at Manchester United and Sunderland.
His arrival has therefore been greeted with derision by some fans and pundits.
However, joint-chairman David Sullivan insisted the club believe Moyes can recreate the success he had at Everton.
“I would like to welcome David to West Ham United,” Sullivan said in a statement.
“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 inherits a side that is 18th in the Premier League table, having won just two Premier League matches so far this season.
They have taken just nine points from 11 league matches, conceding 23 goals in the process.
His first game in charge will be at Watford on 19 November.
“It’s a big job we have in hand now but I’m sure that with everyone together we can get the right result between now and the end of the season,” Moyes said.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting the supporters, being in the stadium with them. I’m looking forward to them getting right behind the team and my team also.
“We need their support, we need everybody with us.”