WEST HAM have announced the appointment of Mark Warburton as a first-team assistant coach.

The former Brentford, Rangers, Nottingham Forest and Queens Park Rangers boss has managed nearly 350 matches, winning two promotions and a succession of individual awards, and will add experience and knowhow to David Moyes’ backroom staff.

Born in north London, Warburton led Brentford to the EFL Championship Play-Offs and Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title before most recently enjoying three productive seasons at Queens Park Rangers, culminating in a top-half Championship finish last term.

The former manager is a great coup for the Hammers as he brings his wealth of experience into the dugout. This is will be important as influential coach Stuart Pearce left the club at the end of the season.

The 59-year-old is looking forward to getting down to work when the Hammers return for pre-season training at Rush Green this weekend.

“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.”

Manager Moyes welcomed Warburton, who will join Billy McKinlay, Paul Nevin, Kevin Nolan and Xavi Valero on the Scot’s coaching team.

“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 Club’s over the course of his career.

“I’m excited about adding him to my coaching set-up as one of my assistants.”