DAVID MOYES is focused on giving Sunderland an identity for Wearside to be proud of after a week when he was publicly backed from the boardroom.

The Black Cats are sitting bottom again and Moyes will take the team to the London Stadium on Saturday still searching for a first Premier League win since taking over in the summer.

Last weekend’s defeat at Stoke City led to criticism of some of his decisions and signings from sections of the club’s fans even though he has regularly suggested it will take time to lead Sunderland into brighter times.

Chief executive Martin Bain decided this week to hint Moyes will be at the Stadium of Light for the long term because he is viewed as an important part of the rebuilding job; even though owner Ellis Short has sought new investment from overseas.

And Moyes, knowing how Sunderland have only collected two points so far from eight games under him, believes the only way the club can make progress is if everyone buys into the vision on and off the pitch.

“The plan is, first of all, to make everybody realise that there is a long term plan and to get away from the thought that it is anything other than that,” said Moyes.

“We are working together to change things. Martin is doing a lot of things behind the scenes which won’t always necessarily be noticed because what you will really judge us on is what you see on the grass.

“I am the one who has to get that part right. The plan is to put things in place to take things forward. I know what Martin means in terms of identity. I am sure every manager that has sat here has spoken about identity and philosophy, but that takes time.

“A club will have its identity, maybe if you ask people what’s Sunderland’s you would have to pause and think longer about it. Give us a chance to get an identity.

“It’s based in the North-East, so it has to come from the North-East. It has to come from the supporters, the people around here. I think there has to be an engagement of people and let them know how bad we are hurting and what it has been like. We are doing everything we can to put it right.”

Occupying bottom spot in the Premier League has become a familiar position for Sunderland fans over the years, but it is new for Moyes after spells with Manchester United and Everton.

He admits, though, that it does not matter what end of the table a manager finds himself in, there will always be strains to deal with – after a week when Jermain Defoe suggested Sunderland have gone slightly backwards since the end of last season.

Moyes said: “Whatever club you manage in the Premier League you will be in for a level of scrutiny. Whether you are Pep Guardiola at the top and lose a couple of games or whether you are David Moyes at the bottom, you are going to find yourself getting that in the league we are in.

“I am big enough to deal with that, I have seen it and I know what it is like. I don’t like it. You have to go with it and that’s part of the job.”

He added: “I actually think Jermain’s piece was taken a little out of context. Obviously where the team finished last season to where we are now you’d have to say that (gone backwards).

“The players were in the same position at the same stage last season. They picked up a few points and we are not doing that.”

Sunderland have got an extensive injury list which has not helped but Moyes reported some positive news on that front, while he also confirmed Patrick van Aanholt and Lamine Kone will be available for the trip to West Ham after shaking off respective adductor and hamstring problems.

Moyes said: “Vito Mannone is making progress, ahead of time and is out on the grass. Seb Larsson is running really well, he’s joined in little bits of football too.

“Adnan Januzaj is going to be back after the weekend, back training. He won’t be as long as expected. Jan Kirchhoff is doing well too.

“Jason Denayer and Lee Cattermole are the ones we are not quite sure how long they will be out for. Fabio Borini is still a bit away and still recovering from the operation.”