Mark Noble will return to West Ham as sporting director a matter of months after calling time on his legendary playing career with the Irons.
Noble spent 22 years on the club's books before hanging up his boots at the end of last season, having scored 62 goals in 550 appearances for the East Londoners. The 35-year-old spent virtually his entire senior career with the Hammers, with the exception of brief loan spells at Hull City and Ipswich Town.
Noble, a Canning Town native, could not hold back the tears as he played his final home game for the club in mid-May. However, he had a beaming smile on his face as he was unveiled as West Ham's next sporting director on Thursday, with the Englishman due to begin the role on 2 January 2023.
A Hammers statement reads: "His West Ham United career is now set to continue in a newly-created position which will see Noble work closely in support of manager David Moyes, as well as working with the Board of Directors, providing input, advice, and assistance across all aspects of the football operation.
"This will include Academy development, player recruitment, and player and staff well-being – with a particular focus on ensuring players both progressing through the ranks and new to the Club are nurtured in the West Ham United football philosophy and values."
Noble prepared himself for the role by undergoing an Entertainment, Media and Sports Business leadership course at Harvard Business School in the United States this summer. He 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.
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"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."
Moyes added: "I know from my dealings with Mark throughout his time as a player – and particularly when we were going through the hugely-challenging Covid-19 pandemic – that he possesses all of the necessary skills and attributes, and the right personality and character, to be a huge success in this role."
