West Ham officials have reportedly held a meetingto discuss the possibility of bringing former England international Rio Ferdinand into Slaven Bilic’s backroom staff, The Independent understand.
Rio offered his services to his former club after their 5-1 humiliation against Arsenal at the weekend and now the board are seriously considering recruiting him as a defensive coach.
It is believed Rio does not want a full-time coahcing role, but rather a consultancy role that can fit around his current punditry schedule.
Only bottom-placed Swansea City (31) have conceded more than the Hammers this season, who have shipped 29 goals in 14 league games. At this rate, West Ham are on course to ship 78 goals this season – more than any Premier League club since Fulham conceded 85 in 2013/14.
Injuries to key players have greatly impacted West Ham’s performance so far this campaign, with defensive regulars Aaron Cresswell, Sam Byram and Winston Reid missing much of the season.
However, injuries are not the sole-source of the Hammers’ defensive capitulation this season and Ferdinand’s input is certainly needed.
