West Ham have announced that former captain Mark Noble will return to the club as sporting director.
Noble, 35, retired at the end of last season after 18 campaigns with his boyhood team.
In a newly created role, Noble will work closely with Hammers manager David Moyes and the current board.
We are delighted to announce that Mark Noble has returned to the Club as Sporting Director.— West Ham United (@WestHam) September 22, 2022
“I’m really happy to be back and can’t wait to get started,” Noble said. “I want to thank the club for giving me this opportunity – it’s a great honor for me to take on this role.
“I’ve spent the last 24 years as a player here, first in the academy and then in the first team, and obviously I have a deep knowledge and understanding of the club.
“The past two years, as my playing days began to wind down naturally, gave me a fantastic opportunity to really spend time educating myself and gaining a better knowledge and understanding of the work that goes on behind the scenes. .
“This club has made fantastic progress in this period and I can’t wait to come back at such an exciting time.”
Noble added on the West Ham website: “I see it as a position in which I can grow and develop both personally and professionally.
“There are always tough decisions to be made in football, but together 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 keep moving in the right direction.
“I believe in the ambition displayed by the Board and am delighted to help build on the success achieved so far.”
Moyes supported the nomination.
“I am really delighted to welcome Mark back and to have the opportunity to work closely with him again. He has been a great asset and a strength to me as a player and captain, and I know that ‘He will once again provide the club and myself with fantastic support in this role,’ said Moyes.
“This is an opportunity for him to develop and grow in the position and he will have our full support to do so.
“There is no one better qualified to understand West Ham United and their philosophy, and to bring new ideas to move the club in the right direction.”
