West Ham have  now appointed former Everton and Sunderland chief scout Tony Henry to his new job as ‘recruitment director to the board.’

Henry – who was formerly chief scout at Sunderland before resigning – was placed on gardening leave by the Black Cats and was unable to take up his new role until recently.

However, he is now actively involved in his new role which ClaretandHugh has learned sees him reporting directly to co-chairman David Sullivan who has the responsibility of reporting targets to the board.

It’s a separate set up to that involving manager Sam Allardyce and his scouting team but is seen as a step in ensuring that the Hammers are aware of every top target.

A highly placed source told ClaretandHugh: “Tony reports directly to the co-chairman and this is seen very much part of the  the closer consultative process on new signings between the board and manager.

The more talent there is available in that area of operations the better it is for the future of West Ham United.”