Former West Ham player Paul Konchesky has agreed a two-year contract to become the manager of the West Ham women’s team.
Olli Harder, the current head coach, informed the club ahead of Sunday’s loss to Arsenal that he would “move on to pursue further opportunities”.
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The club also announced that captain Gilly Flaherty is leaving this summer.
Konchesky, 40, made 70 appearances for West Ham during a playing career that also saw him represent Charlton, Fulham, Liverpool and Leicester.
She had been an assistant at the Women’s Super League club since May 2021.
“This is a very proud moment for me,” Konchesky said in a statement. “I am truly honored to have been appointed.
“I am enjoying both the challenge and the opportunity that comes with this role.
“West Ham is very close to my heart: it was a dream to play for the club and now being in this position is something that excites me a lot.”
New Zealander Harder, who joined the Hammers in December 2020, leaves after leading the club to sixth in the league and the most points in their history.
He also led the club to an FA Cup semi-final and League Cup quarter-final this campaign.
“I think I’m leaving the club in a very good place,” Harder said. “I am confident that if you continue to build on this successful platform, the future is bright.”
Flaherty’s ‘immense sadness’ at leaving
Defender Flaherty, 30, who has also played for Arsenal and Chelsea, is leaving at the end of his contract.
“It is with immense sadness that I am leaving West Ham United this summer,” said Flaherty, who joined the Hammers in June 2018 ahead of his first WSL season.
“I have truly loved every minute of my time with this club and I am very proud of my role in the journey this team has taken over the last four years.
“I have so many amazing memories of my time at Claret and Blue, from reaching the FA Cup final in our first season to playing at London Stadium.
“I’ve made friends for life and I’m going to miss coming to training at Chadwell Heath every day.”
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