West Ham United can confirm that Stuart Pearce has made the decision to step down from his role as First Team Coach.
The 60-year-old leaves the Club after two years on David Moyes’s coaching staff, during which time he has played a key role alongside Billy McKinlay, Kevin Nolan, Paul Nevin and Xavi Valero as the Hammers enjoyed sixth and seventh place finishes in the Premier League and secured European qualification in both seasons.
Pearce said: “It is with a heavy heart that I have made this decision to leave West Ham United. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work at the Club over the past two years, but I have decided that now is the right time to step away and pursue other opportunities and challenges.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank David Moyes, David Sullivan, David Gold and Karren Brady for giving me the opportunity to return to West Ham. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here – the football club is united at all levels and that is very pleasing to see.
“It has been fantastic to work with the players and staff every day at Rush Green, a very special environment that I will miss greatly. I wish everyone at the Club all the very best for the future and will always have a special place in my heart for West Ham United.
Manager David Moyes said: “We thank Stuart for his hard work and dedication over the past two years. He has been a great help to myself and the team, and a popular figure who we will miss around the training ground. On behalf of all of the players and staff, I wish him every success in the future.”
The former Hammers defender first returned to the Club as one of Moyes's assistants in November 2017, then rejoined the coaching staff ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.
Pearce won 78 England caps in a glittering playing career which saw him win two League Cups during a lengthy spell at Nottingham Forest along with appearing for England at three major championships - the 1990 FIFA World Cup finals and UEFA Euro 92 and 96.
He spent two years of his top-flight playing career in Claret and Blue, winning the Hammer of the Year award at the age of 39 in 2001 and totaling 50 appearances and three goals in all competitions.
Everyone at West Ham United would like to thank Stuart for his service and wish him all the very best for the future.