Real Sociedad de Fútbol have concluded their search for a successor to Jagoba Arrasate by announcing David Moyes as their new coach.

The former Manchester United FC, Everton FC and Preston North End FC manager has been given an 18-month contract with the San Sebastian outfit. Real Sociedad relieved Arrasate of his duties on 2 November, his 16-month reign ending with the club in the relegation zone after taking six points from their opening ten Liga games. Reserve-team coach Asier Santana inspired the side to an unlikely 2-1 home win against champions Club Atlético de Madrid on Sunday, lifting them out of the bottom three.

Moyes has spent the last seven months out of football since leaving Manchester United in April, dismissed after failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League in his first season since succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson. Having spoken to UEFA Pro licence students about the challenges of a top-level coaching career last month, the 51-year-old Scot now joins one of Spain's most prestigious clubs, who boast a long association with British football.

Moyes during his time at United ©AFP/Getty Images

Englishman Harry Lowe coached the Basque outfit between 1930 and 1935, Welshman John Toshack had three separate spells in charge and was the last coach to win a trophy with La Real – the 1986/87 Copa del Rey – while Chris Coleman spent seven months in the dugout from 2007–08. John Aldridge became the club's first foreign player when signing from Liverpool FC in 1989, followed by Englishman Dalian Atkinson the next year.

Moyes will oversee training on Tuesday and has plenty of time before his debut fixture, away to RC Deportivo La Coruña on 22 November. His first home game is against Elche CF the following week.