'I'm very honored': Mark Noble returns to West Ham as sporting director | West Ham United

Mark Noble has returned to West Ham as sporting director a few months after retiring. The former captain will start in January in a newly created post at his boyhood club where he played for 18 years.

Coaching is not currently a priority for Noble, so he will work closely with David Moyes and his managers. The 35-year-old provides input, advice and support across West Ham’s football operations, including player recruitment, academy development and player and staff welfare.

Noble, who made 550 appearances for West Ham before retiring at the end of last season, will focus on ensuring signing and Academy players embrace the club’s football philosophy and values. It also ensures strategic alignment across the club.

Noble, who traveled to the United States last summer to complete a course in entertainment, media and sports business at Harvard Business School, said: I would like to thank the club for giving me the opportunity. It is a great honor for me to take on this role at West Ham United.

“I have spent the last 24 years as a player, first in the academy and then in the first team. Of course, I have a deep knowledge and understanding of the club. One of them was to constantly improve on and off the pitch.

“It became even more important to me when I was appointed captain of the club in 2015.The past seven years have given me great experience and prepared me for the next phase of my life and career. .

“Especially in the last two years, when my playing time has naturally started to decrease, it has given me a great opportunity to take the time to educate myself and gain more knowledge and understanding of the work that goes on behind the scenes. The club has made great progress in that period and we are really looking forward to returning at such an exciting time.”

Moyes, whose team is struggling in 18th after a difficult start, said: He is a great asset to me as a player and captain and I know he will again give the club and me great support in this role. ”

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan said: “He has been and will always be part of this club. did.

“He is already familiar with every aspect of the organisation, knows personally all the staff in all departments who work here and always puts the best interests of the club at the center of everything. It will help provide another strong link between operations and the wider club and will continue to be a great asset for West Ham.”