Former West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble will become the club’s new sporting director from January.
The Hammers legend will officially start in his post on January 2nd 2023 following his retirement as a player earlier this year, having made 550 appearances across 18 years of service in East London.
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Noble's long affinity with his boyhood team is set to continue in a role that will help support manager David Moyes while working alongside the club’s Board of Directors. He will have an input on all matters involving the football operation at the club, offering his advice and assistance. This will include academy development, player recruitment, and player and staff wellbeing.
Earlier in the summer, the 35-year-old travelled to the United States to complete an Entertainment, Media and Sports Business leadership course at the Harvard Business School, and he will continue to spend time working on a number of personal projects and business interests as he resumes his dedicated service to West Ham in the New Year.
Noble said: “I’m really happy to be coming back and can’t wait to get started. I’d like to thank the club for giving me the opportunity – it’s a great honour for me to take up this role at West Ham United.
“I’ve spent the last 24 years as a player here, first in the academy and then in the first team, and obviously have a deep knowledge and understanding of the club. Throughout my playing career, the one thing I strived for more than anything was constant improvement, on and off the pitch. That became even more important to me when I was named club captain in 2015, and the last seven years have given me such great experience and preparation for the next stage of my life and career.
“In particular, the last two years, as my playing days began to naturally wind down, gave me a fantastic opportunity to really spend some time educating myself and gaining greater knowledge and understanding of the work that goes on behind the scenes. This club has made some fantastic strides forward in that period and I am really looking forward to coming back at such an exciting time.
“I see it as a position that I can grow and develop in both personally and professionally. There are always difficult decisions to be made in football, but along with my colleagues at the club, I will continue to put the best interests of West Ham United first. The last two seasons have been a time of great progress, and I want to help us to continue moving forwards in the right direction. I believe in the ambition shown by the board and I am excited about helping to build on the success that has been delivered so far.
“I feel that it is a great opportunity for me to make a real contribution and help the club in a number of different ways, and I can promise everyone in the West Ham family that I will give it absolutely everything I have.”
Hammers boss Moyes added: “I am really pleased to welcome Mark back and to have the opportunity to work closely with him again. He was a great asset and strength to me as a player and a captain, and I know he will give the club and myself fantastic support again in this role."