Former Manchester City goalkeeper coach Kevin Hitchcock is delighted with his move to West Ham United.

Hitchcock, a former Chelsea No1, replaces Ludo Miklosko, who left the post last week.

He told whufc.com: "I was born and bred West Ham. I was born in Custom House and grew up in Plaistow and had a season for 12 or 14 years over at Upton Park and all the family are staunch Hammers supporters.

"It's no secret that Gianfranco (Zola) is a good personal friend of mine, and I got a phone call from him and asked me if I would help him out until the end of the season. It came out of the blue and, of course, I have worked with Mark Hughes for such a long time.

"I said to Franco 'I'd love to work with you and help you out but I need to ask Mark's permission'. Mark said 'Go and help out Franco out' and here I am."