Narcis Pelach is 'really grateful' for the opportunity afforded to him after he followed Graham Potter into West Ham United and joined the Irons' new-look coaching unit. Pelach was sacked from his role as head coach of Stoke City after the Boxing Day defeat at home to Leeds United.

That decision by the Potters, who have since replaced him with the experienced Mark Robins, came only three months after Pelach himself had taken over from Steven Schumacher at the bet365 Stadium, but after only three wins in 19 matches the club hierarchy pulled the trigger on his ill-fated reign.

Pelach, who previously worked at Huddersfield Town and Norwich City, has now joined up with new West Ham boss Potter at the London Stadium. The club removed Julen Lopetegui from his post on Wednesday evening and appointed Potter on Thursday morning, confirming Pelach as a member of his staff.

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"I am really excited to join a great club and a top manager to fight for," Pelach posted, in the wake of the announcement. "Really grateful for the opportunity and I will give it all. Keep growing and learning with enthusiasm, hard work and perseverance."

Pelach will be back in the Midlands on Friday night when West Ham take on Aston Villa in the third round of the FA Cup, the first match of Potter's reign. He is joined by Billy Reid and Bruno Saltor, the latter who played for Brighton in the Premier League, and they make up Potter's team behind the scenes.

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