Hornchurch FC officially appoint brother of Rio Ferdinand

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand remains heavily involved in football following his retirement from playing.

Now, his brother is returning to the touchline after Hornchurch FC confirmed the appointment of his brother to their coaching setup ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Earlier this year, Ferdinand was officially appointed by FOX Sports as part of their coverage team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

That added another high-profile media role to his post-playing career.

The six-time Premier League winner has also remained vocal on matters involving Manchester United, recently making headlines after publicly encouraging Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni to consider a move to Old Trafford.

Now, another member of the Ferdinand family is embarking on a new chapter in football.

Anton Ferdinand joins Hornchurch coaching staff

Hornchurch FC announced via their official website that Anton Ferdinand has joined the club ahead of their debut season in the Enterprise National League.

However, despite the excitement surrounding the appointment, the former defender has not been brought in as manager.

Instead, Anton Ferdinand has been appointed as a first-team coach and will work as part of Daryl McMahon’s backroom staff.

The 41-year-old enjoyed a lengthy playing career after emerging through West Ham United’s academy, the same youth system that produced his brother Rio Ferdinand.

Anton went on to make more than 160 appearances for West Ham before also representing clubs including Sunderland, Queens Park Rangers, Reading and Southend United.

Internationally, he represented England at youth level.

He was widely regarded as one of the country’s most promising young defenders during the early stages of his career.

According to Hornchurch’s official statement, McMahon believes Ferdinand possesses “huge potential” as a coach despite this being his first formal coaching role.

McMahon and Ferdinand have known each other since their youth-team days at West Ham, with the pair now reunited as Hornchurch prepare for a historic campaign.

For Ferdinand, the move represents the beginning of a new journey in football following his retirement from playing.

Supporters will now be eager to see what impact the former Premier League defender can make from the dugout.