Former West Ham United captain Mark Noble will return to the club in a new role following his retirement at the end of the 2021/22 season.
Noble played all of his first-team matches across an 18-year career in claret and blue, amassing 550 appearances, and setting the standard of what it meant to be a Hammer both on and off the pitch.
Keen to keep the 35-year-old's expertise in the building, West Ham announced on Thursday morning that Noble will be the club's new sporting director from January 2023.
READ MORE: David Moyes told how to turn West Ham's poor start around after 'incredible' 2021/22 season
The job will entail supporting manager David Moyes 'providing input, advice, and assistance across all aspects of the football operation.' In particular, the former England Under-21 international will work with West Ham's board of directors while making sure that academy players progressing through the ranks and new signings are aware of the club's philosophy and values.
“I’m really happy to be coming back and can’t wait to get started," Noble said in a statement released on the club's official website. "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 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.”
Moyes praised the move, saying Noble did spectacular work as a player and captain and will continue that going forward once he starts his new job in 2023.
“I am really pleased to welcome Mark [Noble] back and to have the opportunity to work closely with him again," said Moyes. "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."
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