West Ham's Rangers connections further bolstered as new hire made

West Ham United have appointed yet another former Rangers figure behind the scenes.

The Hammers hired Nils Koppen as director of player recruitment in July.

Koppen had previously worked in a similar position at Ibrox, prior to departing last year after 17 months in the job.

Another former Rangers figure, Karim Virani, was appointed at the London Stadium as interim chief executive officer three months earlier.

Virani previously led the Irons' digital, marketing and commercial operations between 2015 and 2020.

And West Ham's links with the Scottish heavyweights has only been bolstered amid news of another new hire.

Who is West Ham's new chief financial officer?

James Taylor is the latest appointment made at West Ham during a period of real uncertainty off the field.

He announced the news himself via LinkedIn on Friday evening.

"Pleased to share that I’ve joined West Ham United as CFO, subject to the usual approvals," he wrote.

"The size of the club and the passion of our supporters continues to impress. I’m determined to play my part in returning this club to where it belongs.

"It’s also great to be working with Nils Koppen and Karim Virani again. I know the standards both set and how they operate when the pressure is on, and that was a significant part of the decision.

"Before this, three years at Rangers. I’m proud of the improvements made both on and off the pitch during my time at Ibrox.

"There is a serious amount of work ahead and a strong group to do it with. I’m looking forward to working closely with the board and with colleagues across the club. Come on you Irons."

Taylor's three-year stint at Ibrox recently came to an end.

He was also tasked with overseeing financial matters at Ibrox across that hectic spell.

Rangers generated a record revenue of more than £94million during Taylor's tenure.

West Ham's Rangers connections could pay off

Quite what the relationship is between the three aforementioned figures and Rangers is not clear.

But assuming it is positive, Rangers could use these links to their advantage.

It was not long ago that Rangers midfielder Connor Barron was linked with West Ham.

While things may have gone quiet on that front of late, that would be a superb signing for the Irons.

And with this latest hire, things are finally starting to settle down off the field as well as on it.