Former Rangers boss Mark Warburton is set for a return to Ibrox next month after he was appointed first-team assistant coach at Premier League side West Ham United.
Warburton, who left QPR at the end of the season and was replaced by ex-Gers first-team coach Mick Beale, joins David Moyes’ staff at the London Stadium ahead of Rangers hosting the Hammers at Ibrox in a pre-season friendly.
“It’s a huge privilege to be joining West Ham United to work as part of David Moyes’ backroom staff,” said Warburton.
“West Ham have made incredible progress in recent seasons, continually making forward strides to move the Club in a positive direction.
“I am excited about coming in and adding my own experience and know-how to what is an incredibly strong coaching team here.”
Hammers boss Moyes was delighted to add Warburton to his coaching staff after losing Stuart Pearce at the end of last season, expressing excitement at Warburton’s appointment.
“I’m really pleased to welcome Mark to West Ham United,” said Moyes. “He’s a really valuable addition to the backroom team, in the wake of Stuart Pearce leaving us at the end of last season.
“Mark is hugely experienced and has a fine track record, having managed at a number of clubs over the course of his career.
“I’m excited about adding him to my coaching set-up as one of my assistants.”
Warburton joins Billy McKinlay, Paul Nevin Kevin Nolan and Xavi Valero on Moyes’ coaching team at West Ham.
Surprise to see Warburton take a step ‘down’ but he should thrive at West Ham
After stints with the likes of Nottingham Forest and QPR since leaving Rangers, it’s a bit of a surprise to see Warburton step backwards and become Moyes’ assistant.
However, the freedom to spend more time working with the players on the training pitch will probably suit Warburton a bit more and really play to his strengths.
After the acrimonious nature of his Rangers exit, it’ll be interesting to see what sort of response Warburton gets when he returns to Ibrox next month with the Hammers.
In other news, Rangers star heads to London for talks ahead of £20million move