Tim Steidten has begun his job as technical director for West Ham United, following success in a similar role in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen.The 44-year-old German, who will be responsible for West Ham's player recruitment strategy, is known for his data led approach to scouting.
"Tim's appointment is key to our wider plans to drive our football strategy forward," said chairman David Sullivan. Steidten will work alongside manager David Moyes and sporting director Mark Noble as the club look to radically overhaul what many have viewed as a chaotic and amateur past set up.
Since qualifying for the Europa League with victory in the Europa Conference League, the club's first trophy since winning the 1980 FA Cup, the immediate issue has been coping with losing captain Declan Rice to neighbours Arsenal in what looks like a £105 Million deal.
As the club prepare for a third successive season in European competition, the aim will be to improve greatly on last season's disappointing 14th place finish in the Premier League. Last year's significant investment in player acquisitions didn't really deliver the 'bang for the bucks' it should have, which is where Tim Steidten comes in.
Steidten said: "There is already a fantastic team in place, but also so much ambition from the board, the manager, his staff and the players, to continue succeeding, developing and growing. I cannot wait to play a key part in that." Steidten's former club Bayern Leverkusen have finished consistently in the top six in the Bundesliga since his arrival from Werder Bremen in 2019.
West Ham said his "data-led approach" to scouting had helped find a number of "unheralded gems" for the club, while David Moyes has apparently praised his "strong track record in elite level football".
It will be interesting to see how things pan out and if David Sullivan really can keep his f(ing)er(s) out of the pie! - LN
Comments
Brentford
Have been doing this for years and were scoffed at but clubs like them and Brighton show that mega bucks do not need to be spent and hopefully this will herald the end to the "marquis" signings that are meant to prove to fans no no really we are a big club.
Quality Nev
Bloody annoying when i had to get up early to lay down my Hammers towel!!