West Ham United today announced that the Board has agreed to strengthen the management of the Club with some changes to the roles of the senior team.

The Board has decided that in order to move to the next stage of the Club's development a broader management team will be put in place to support the Club's owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson.

With growing confidence and optimism surrounding the Club's future and with significant progress being made in delivering a new stadium, the Board feels it is the right time to strengthen a management structure which will help secure the long term ambitions of the Club.

Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, the Club's owner, will continue to chair the Club's holding Board and this body will direct the overall strategy of the Club as well as developments such as the new stadium. Eggert Magnusson will remain as chairman of the Club in a non-executive capacity with an executive team responsible for day to day operations.

Obviously these changes have no impact on the playing side where Alan Curbishley and his coaching staff remain in control of all squad and on the field matters.

Commenting on the changes Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson said: "I am so proud of what we have achieved since becoming involved with the Club and I am grateful for Eggert Magnusson's contribution to West Ham throughout this time. Of course there have been challenges but we have made real progress and can be confident about the future.

"It is now vital for our longer term ambitions to become one of the leading clubs in England playing for honours both at home and in Europe that we strengthen the senior team at the Club and build a truly professional management structure for the future."

Eggert Magnusson said: "We have worked hard to create stability and optimism sometimes in very difficult and trying circumstances. I think it is now important to broaden the management team so that we can deliver the bright future that is opening up for the Club. I have enjoyed my time as Executive Chairman but feel the moment is right to stand back a little as we move into a new and exciting period."

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