Billy McKinlay returns to David Moyes’ coaching setup at West Ham following two-year spell at Stoke

Billy McKinlay returns to David Moyes’ coaching setup at West Ham on a three-year deal after bringing the curtain down on his two-year spell at Stoke City where he worked as Michael O’Neill’s assistant manager

  • Billy McKinlay has returned to West Ham to re-join David Moyes’ coaching team
  • McKinlay spent seven months with Moyes during his first spell as Hammers boss
  • He’sĀ been working as Michael O’Neill’s assistant manager at Stoke since 2019

Billy McKinlay has returned to West Ham to re-join manager David Moyes‘ coaching team, the Premier League club have announced.

The former Scotland international midfielder, who spent seven months with Moyes during his first spell as Hammers boss, had been working as Michael O’Neill’s assistant manager at Stoke.

He joins Moyes’ team of assistants – Kevin Nolan, Paul Nevin, Stuart Pearce and Xavi Valero – as he finalises his staff after signing a new three-year contract, with Nick Davies also returning to the fitness and sports science set-up.

Billy McKinlay (right, pictured in 2017) returns to David Moyes’ coaching team at West Ham

Moyes told the club’s official website: ‘I’m delighted to welcome back both Billy and Nick.

‘They bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the team, they know the football club well and they will fit straight back in to how we work.’

The Hammers have also revealed they are close to appointing a head of recruitment as they attempt to build upon last season’s sixth-place finish.

McKinlay (centre) has been working as Michael O'Neill's assistant manager at Stoke since 2019

McKinlay (centre) has been working as Michael O’Neill’s assistant manager at Stoke since 2019

Moyes added: ‘It was very important to me that we did this together.

‘The progress so far at the club has been a real team effort and my staff, not just the coaches, have been a crucial part of that.

‘We are looking to continue to build on what we have done so far and we will work to keep our levels high.’