West Ham confirmed the appointment of Tim Steidten with much anticipation of a new and exciting time for the club.

The new Sporting Director, who previously worked at German side Bayer Leverkusen, takes up the post and will oversee player recruitment strategy and the scouting department.

The recruitment process has been extensive, but West Ham have finally got our man, having seen of interest from a host of clubs including Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

West Ham officially made the announcement with David Moyes excited to start work with Steidten, with our Hammers looking to push on after achieving European football for the 3rd successive season.

“I would like to welcome Tim to the West Ham United family,” said Moyes on the club’s Official Website. “He has a strong track record in elite level football and we’re really looking forward to working with him.”

The West Ham Way Podcast hosts Dave Walker and ExWHUEmployee gave their thoughts on the appointment, with Ex stating in particular excited for what Steidten could bring to our Hammers.

“It’s an interesting and hopefully exciting appointment,” said Ex. “Tim is said to use a statistical approach to recruitment and a strategy, I don’t believe the club have employed anyone like that before.

“He has a great record at uncovering gems and we have beaten a lot of top clubs to his signature. Let’s hope this is the start of a new very successful recruitment spell for the club but with West Ham anything is of course possible!”

Walker though is treading on the side of caution, having seen similar moves in the past that haven’t worked out.

“I never know what to think about these kind of appointments,” said the Podcast co-host. “We’ve had our fingers burnt in the past and I’m yet to see a role like this add any value to West Ham.

“Let’s hope he clicks with Moyes and recruits players that actually fit the way the manager wants to play! Time will tell.”