Former England captain Rio Ferdinand has offered his services to the West Ham board as a defensive coach.

Slaven Bilic’s side have conceded 29 goals in their first 14 Premier League games of the season — only Swansea have conceded more — and West Ham’s problems are mounting after Saturday’s 5-1 home defeat by Arsenal.

Bilic’s job is not under immediate threat but concerns are growing after the poor start to the season and upcoming home games against fellow strugglers Hull and Burnley will be crucial for the manager.

Former England captain Rio Ferdinand has offered his services to the West Ham board

Slaven Bilic speaks to a member of his coaching staff during the defeat to Arsenal

Ferdinand, 38, started his career at West Ham and has made them aware that he is ready to help Bilic stop the rot.

Bilic and Ferdinand were Hammers team-mates 10 years ago but it remains to be seen if the Croat would accept the offer of help.

After the Arsenal game, Bilic said: ‘I feel very brave as a person and as a manager. I want to change it and I think that we, I, can change it.’

'I am very disappointed, frustrated and humiliated,' he added. 'I want to say sorry to the fans and the club and everyone connected with West Ham, because it was very bad.'

The dejected West Ham players prepare to kick-off once again after conceding another goal

Sanchez slides the ball past Darren Randolph for Arsenal's fifth, as London Stadium empties

Bilic (left) talks to Ferdinand (right) after the friendly between England and Croatia in 2008



