LIVE
...

Follow us on

Soccer News

Report: West Ham United urge Slaven Bilic to take up Rio Ferdinand offer

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic before the game (REUTERS)
Follow us on Google Discover

Ferdinand has reportedly offered his coaching services to former club West Ham United.

West Ham United have urged Slaven Bilic to take up Rio Ferdinand’s coaching offer, according to the Telegraph.

The Daily Mail reported this weekend that Ferdinand, a former Hammers defender, has offered to help out his old side, who have shipped 29 goals in 14 Premier League outings this season.

Saturday’s 5-1 home defeat by Arsenal left West Ham only a point and a place above the bottom three and Bilic is said to have held talks with the club’s hierarchy on Monday.

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic

According to the Telegraph, the Croatian retains the support of the Hammers’ board and owners following that meeting, although he will need a serious upturn in results over the next few weeks to avoid the sack.

Despite this, it was reportedly put to him that Ferdinand, whose appointment would continue the club’s tradition of re-employing former players, would provide a welcome ‘fresh face’ as well as a ‘new voice’.

West Ham United first team attacking coach Teddy Sheringham and goalkeeping coach Bobby Mimms (L)

Bilic’s predecessor Sam Allardyce brought ex-striker Teddy Sheringham back to Upton Park as first-team coach, while Julian Dicks, another former defender, remains on West Ham’s books.

However, the Telegraph reports that Bilic will not be forced into hiring Ferdinand, who went on to win multiple domestic and continental honours as well as 81 caps for England.

The 38-year-old currently works as a pundit for BT Sport, but would be keen on a part-time role, the report adds.

Rio Ferdinand