"I am absolutely delighted that Alan has agreed to join us. He is a manager with a proven track record and a real love for this Club," West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson told a press conference.

"He did a fantastic job at Charlton and I know how highly regarded he is throughout the football world," said Magnusson, whose consortium took over the ownership of the club in November.

The 49-year-old was left jobless since resigning from Charlton Athletic in April after 11 years at the helm.

He stepped down after he was tipped to take over the English national team coach following the FA's decision not to extend the contract of Sven-Goran Eriksson.

"Charlton was a massive part of my life but it had to come to an end and I had to go into a new period," Curbishley told Sky Sports Network.

Curbishley is no stranger to West Ham fans as he played at the Upton Park during the 1970s.

After sacking Pardew, Curbishley now faces the task of climbing the Premiership table as the Hammers lie third from bottom with just 14 points.

"I'm looking forward to lifting us out of the position we are in at the moment so we can all enjoy the rest of the season if we can," he said.