West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley has been assured the club's new technical director won't interfere in first team matters.

The Times says Curbishley will be consulted at every stage and, with a shortlist of candidates drawn up, he will make the final decision in conjunction with the board. Interviews are expected to take place "in the next few weeks".

With West Ham keen to avoid conflict, Curbishley has been assured that the technical director will have no responsibility for the first team. The new man will oversee development of the academy, the training ground and scouting system.