Moyes names Irvine, Pearce as assistants at West Ham

West Ham United’s new manager David Moyes has named Alan Irvine and Stuart Pearce as his assistants and hopes to confirm the appointment of Sunderland’s caretaker boss Billy McKinlay in the coming days.

Irvine will reunite with Moyes after working with him at both Preston North End and Everton while Pearce returns to the club he made 50 appearances for after 16 years.

Moyes took charge of West Ham after the sacking of Slaven Bilic this month, and the Scot has moved to strengthen his backroom staff ahead of the Premier League trip to ninthplaced Watford on Sunday.

“This is the sixth job I have been offered since leaving Norwich at the end of last season but it’s the first one that has persuaded me to accept,” said Irvine, who has managed Preston, Sheffield Wednesday and West Bromwich Albion.

Former Manchester City and Nottingham Forest manager Pearce said he looked forward to helping 18th-placed West Ham improve their form.

“It’s tough times at the moment but it’s a fantastic opportunity for me. I’m really excited by the challenge,” the former England international said.

Moyes said striker Javier Hernandez, who is currently out with a suspected hamstring injury, need not fear being excluded as he was at Manchester United. Hernandez started only six league games in Moyes’ spell as Manchester United manager in 2013-14, but Moyes said the Mexican would get his opportunities at West Ham.