WEST Ham boss Alan Curbishley insists that he is still the man in charge at Upton Park, despite the unveiling of Gianluca Nani as the club's new technical director yesterday.

The 45-year-old Italian will start his role at the Irons in June with the primary job of boosting the club's worldwide scouting network.

He will also assist Curbishley with the recruitment of new players, as well as develop the youth academy and training facilities.

However, the Hammers chief was quick to point out that will be the one who makes the final decision on all new players that come into the club.

Curbishley said: "If it comes to us signing players we will talk on the position I think I need.

"I think Gianluca, his staff and my staff, will bring up suggestions. We will do our homework and I will decide which way we are going to go.

"There isn't going to be any interference on that - when it comes down to it, I will be the one who has the final say."

Curbishley conceded that West Ham are way behind in the global market when it comes to finding and signing new players, particularly from foreign shores.

But he believes that Nani - with nine years experience and a reputation for unearthing world stars such as Anrea Pirlo and Luca Toni at Italian club Brescia - is the ideal man to help the club try and get "on a level playing field".

"We need this appointment in terms of the knowledge and the networking that Gianluca can bring to us," he said.

"I will pick his brains, I will pick his network and ask for his advice.

"At the moment, certainly you can be limited in your choices, and I need to have my eyes opened up.

"I want to be given more information so that I can find a better player for West Ham in the long run.

"We're hoping, domestically and foreign, that we can be competitive in the Premier League. We don't think we're competitive enough at the moment."

The role of technical or sporting director has caused factions at other Premier League clubs, notably at West Ham's London rivals Spurs and Chelsea.

But Curbishley believes the new system in place at Upton Park will not create any problems.

"I have been a major part in the recruitment of it and the job description," he said.

"Perhaps at other clubs there's been a more far reaching brief for technical director or sporting director.

"We've made sure we concentrate on one area, and one are that I think we need help on. I don't envisage any problem."

Nani reiterated that point himself. The former amateur player insisted: "I'm here to try and build something at West Ham, not to break.

"I have no ambitions to be manager. I am a technical director, not a manager.

"Alan is the manager and has to decide, but he can ask my opinion."