Tevez hammers Pardew

West Ham striker Carlos Tevez insists the only surprise in the sacking of Alan Pardew was that it did not come sooner.

The Argentina international joined the Hammers along with compatriot Javier Mascherano in a shock deal just before the closure of the summer transfer window, but has struggled to make an impact. Pardew was dismissed as West Ham manager last week, with Alan Curbishley swiftly appointed as his successor, and Tevez insisted things had not been "going right" for some time.

Tevez told the News of the World: "I was surprised to see how long Pardew held on to the job in the end. In Argentina or Brazil he would have been out long ago. It was clear the team did not react as he wanted -- it wasn't going right."

He added: "I was never given the chances I thought I would be given and I was told to play out of position against my will.

"I had to sacrifice myself for the team which I don't think helped. I was playing in ways I did not understand well and I lost a lot from my own game. It didn't fit where he put me, but I wanted to help."

Tevez is yet to score a competitive goal for the Hammers, but is eager to put that right.

"The fans have been fantastic towards me and I thank them. Now I want to repay them," he added. "I want to win with this team and a lot of people have told me great things about the new coach, so I want to start scoring for him and start helping West Ham win matches."