KEITH PEACOCK, the former Gillingham and Maidstone United boss, has been appointed to West Ham's coaching staff following his departure in May as Charlton's assistant manager.

Peacock, who had been connected with Charlton, both as player and coach for more than 35 years, is an old friend of West Ham manager Alan Pardew.

In moving to Upton Park, he will be reunited with former Charlton players Paul Kochesky, Lee Bowyer, Shaun Bartlett, Carlton Cole and Jonathan Spector.

He faces an early reunion with Charlton on August 19 when the Addicks visit Upton Park on the opening day of the new Barclays Premier League season.