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Stuart Pearce says West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold blocked him from re-joining David Moyes’ coaching staff.

Pearce was part of Moyes’ backroom team during the Scot’s previous spell at the club and had been in talks over a return.

Moyes had already indicated last week that Pearce would not be returning to West Ham and there are thought to be several factors behind that decision, which include his media commitments.

Stuart Pearce has said that he will not be returning to West Ham United's backroom staff live on @talkSPORT, due to the board blocking the move after he criticised them when he left the club 18 months ago. pic.twitter.com/7gqHxnzrtc — West Ham Gossip (@westham_gossip) January 6, 2020

Pearce was critical of Sullivan and Gold after they overlooked Moyes for Manuel Pellegrini in 2018. The former England star, who spent two years as a player at West Ham between 1999 and 2001, says the pair put a stop to a potential return.

“The owners felt I was a little bit critical of the regime when we left last time and put the block on it and that was that,” he told talkSPORT.

“I am delighted for David. I spoke to him before he went in and he was keen for me to join him but it is not to be.

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“They own the club, I respect that and I respect they are prepared to pick the phone up to David and were humble enough to ask him to come back in.

"I am just delighted to see David back in work and working in the Premier League which I think he deserves.”

Moyes has brought in Alan Irvine as his no2 and is keen to add a former West Ham player to his coaching staff as he looks to complete his backroom team.

Related: Managers who’ve returned to a Premier League side for a second spell [Read Sport]