Stuart Pearce believes that West Ham United’s players need ‘galvanising’ after a poor start to the Premier League season.
The former Hammers full-back was confirmed as one of new boss David Moyes’ assistant managers on Sunday, along with former West Bromwich Albion trainer Alan Irvine.
Pearce spent two years at the club late in his playing career and says that as such he has kept a close eye on developments at the London Stadium.
Whilst he accepted that lifting the side from its current position down in 18th in the table would be difficult, the ex-England international feels that the Irons have ‘a great chance’ of avoiding relegation.
“David [Moyes] is acutely aware – as we all are – of exactly where the club are at this moment in time,” Pearce told the club’s official website.
“It’s not going to be easy, no one is expecting it to be, because the stakes are very high in the Premier League, but I think with the staff here and the squad of players, we have a great chance.
“We need to find that togetherness again and the players are the most powerful ones of all in showing that.”
Poor results and a lack of tactical cohesion cost Slaven Bilic his job last week and whilst most fans agreed that the Croatian’s time had drawn to a natural conclusion, Moyes was far from a popular choice to replace him.
However, the appointment of Pearce, who is still fondly remembered for his short spell in East London, may help to ease the transition.
The 55-year-old was named Hammer of the Year in 2001 before signing for Kevin Keegan at Manchester City, going on to manage the Citizens between 2005 and 2007.
West Ham face Watford at Vicarage Road in the Premier League this weekend before Moyes takes charge of his first home game the following Friday against Leicester City.