Elite football adviser: West Ham behind-the-scenes appointment ‘isn’t the answer’ amid leadership failures

West Ham United’s issues at the top of the club may have an impact if they were to hire a new director of football.

That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who states there is a “lack of cohesion” at the London club.

Vice-chairman Karren Brady announced to the club’s Fan Advisory Board recently that they’re looking to hire a new director of football as a successor to Tim Steidten.

Steidten left his role at the London Stadium in February, and was responsible for West Ham’s player recruitment strategy.

West Ham are set for a busy summer transfer window regardless of whether the club remains in the Premier League or suffers relegation to the Championship.

New sporting director ‘not the answer’ at West Ham

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – states there has been “friction” previously between the manager and the director of football at West Ham.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks the Hammers must support any new appointment for the long-term.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “There’s been friction. I remember during [David] Moyes’ time at West Ham there was friction between him and the sporting director.

“At West Ham, there’s a complete lack of cohesion.

“For anyone coming in, it could be just a short-term fix if they don’t get it right and believe in them long-term and give them the right tools to play with. 

“So I’m afraid just appointing a sporting director, which they’ve had before, isn’t an answer in itself. It’s getting the fundamentals right at the top.”  

Mateus Fernandes sale depends on one condition

Wyness also told Football Insider that West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes will leave the club if they are relegated from the Premier League this season.

That is amid interest from Manchester United to replace Casemiro, but Fernandes could stay at the London Stadium if West Ham can remain in the top flight.

Nuno Espirito Santo could look to build a team around the 21-year-old next season, with the midfielder having played a key role in their fight against the drop so far.

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