The club's recently-installed chairman, Icelandic businessman Eggert Magnusson, wasted no time in filling the vacancy he created on Monday by summarily dismissing Alan Pardew after a poor run of results.

"I am absolutely delighted that Alan has agreed to join us," said Magnusson. "He's a manager with a proven track record and a real love for the club."

Ex-Hammer Curbishley and his assistant, Mervyn Day - another former West Ham player - will take charge of the team for the first time against Manchester United on Sunday. Ironically, his last game at Charlton was against United, whom he has never beaten in his management career.

With the Red Devils top of the table, Curbishley could hardly have a tougher first assignment in his new role, but he is looking beyond the short-term.

"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," he said at the press conference announcing his appointment.

Curbishley played for West Ham between 1975 and 1979.

"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."

The Hammers have endured a miserable season so far and find themselves in a relegation battle following their last two defeats against Wigan (2-0 at home) and Bolton (4-0 away).

Those results convinced Magnusson he had to take action, and Pardew paid the price.

Curbishley added: "I feel disappointed for Alan Pardew, he is someone I know very well. But this is the world we live in at the moment."

Magnusson explained that he sacked Pardew because he was shocked by the players' "lack of motivation" in those two recent defeats. He said: "It was a tough decision but it was in the club's best interests."

Curbishley can expect to have transfer funds available to briong in new players when the market reopens in January, but he said his first priority was to boost morale among the existing squad.

"If I think we need to spend, we'll do it, but first I've got to meet the players," he said.

"Everyone needs a lift. The players who enjoyed such a good season last year, it's the same bunch and they are better than what they are producing.

"This club has the opportunity to be in the top half of table."

Curbishley decided the time had come to leave Charlton last May after being interviewed for, but not getting, the England manager's job.

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