Paul Konchesky replaces Olli Harder as West Ham manager
By Ali Rampling
Paul Konchesky will replace Olli Harder as West Ham manager, with Harder departing the club to 'pursue new opportunities'.
Harder had informed West Ham of his decision to step down prior to taking charge for the Hammers' defeat to Arsenal on the final day of the WSL season, and his departure and Konchesky's appointment were announced five hours after the curtain came down on the 2021/22 campaign.
Konchesky - who spent two years at West Ham as a player between 2005 and 2007 - had been Harder's assistant since May 2021, and has signed a two-year deal with the club.
"This is a very proud moment for me," Konchesky told West Ham's official club website. "I’m really honoured to have been appointed. I’m relishing both the challenge and the opportunity that comes with this role. West Ham is really close to my heart – it was a dream to play for the club and now to be in this position is something I am really excited about. I’m looking forward to getting started."
Harder took the West Ham job in December 2020 following Matt Beard's resignation, and steered the club to safety during the final weeks of the 2020/21 season.
The Hammers have made real progress during the New Zealander's first full campaign in charge, registering their highest ever finish in the top flight and moulding into a robust, well-drilled, hard to beat unit.
"I am proud and honoured to have had the opportunity to work for West Ham United and share this experience with our amazing staff, players, and, of course, incredible fans," Harder said.
"Having reached a Conti Cup quarter-final, an FA Cup semi-final and earned more points this season than in any WSL season in the club’s history, I believe I’m leaving the club in a really good place. I am sure that if it continues to build on this platform of success, the future is bright."