Alan Curbishley expressed his delight after being unveiled as the new manager of West Ham United today.

The former Charlton Athletic manager, who was born in London's East End, started his playing career with West Ham in 1975, making 85 appearances for the club.

"If you'd said to me when I was at West Ham at the age of 16 that one day I'd be manager I would have thought it impossible," Curbishley said. "I'm deeply delighted. It's a privilege to be here and I'm looking forward to lifting us out of the position we're in at the moment."

Curbishley will be assisted by Mervyn Day, his former right-hand man at Charlton. The duo will take charge of the home match against Manchester United on Sunday.

Curbishley admitted his exit from Charlton at the end of last season had been emotional but believes his return to Upton Park is the right opportunity for him. "It was very emotional when I left there," He said. "But Charlton are a massive part of my life and it had to come to an end and I headed into a new period of my life.

"West Ham is a result I've always looked for. I never fulfilled my potential here as a player and hope I can do better as a manager."

Curbishley admits he will have to have a quick impact in his new job with West Ham in the relegation zone. "I did have a think about my managerial [way], the way I go about things and perhaps I may have to be a bit different here. I do know it's about results. I have had a fantastic welcome here but we do need to get results."

The 49-year-old was reluctant to commit to making any changes ahead of the transfer window. "If I think we need to spend money we will try to do it," Curbishley said."But first I've got to meet the players. Everybody needs a lift. Those sort of decisions will be made when the window opens.

"I don't know anything about reports of dissent, I have to assess them when I get there. The players who enjoyed such a good season last year, it's the same bunch and they must be down about what is happening. I'm looking forward to enjoying the rest of the season."

Curbishley also expressed sympathy for his predecessor, Alan Pardew: "The second season in the Premiership is more difficult and injuries have taken their toll. I feel disappointed for Alan Pardew, he is someone I know very well. But this is the world we live in at the moment."

Asked about the decision to sack Pardew, Eggert Magnússon, the club chairman, said he was shocked by the players' lack of motivation in the defeats against Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers.

"It's a very important time now," Magnússon said. "We have five matches until New Year's Day and we have the January transfer window coming up, and I knew we had to make a difficult decision.

"I took a decision. It was very tough, as it always is, but I did it in the best interests of this club."