West Ham Announce Mark Noble As Sporting Director

West Ham United has announced Mark Noble’s return to the Club in the role of Sporting Director. He will officially start his new post on 2nd January 2023, following his retirement as a player earlier this year.

Noble’s West Ham United career is now set to continue in a newly created position which will see him work closely with manager David Moyes, as well as working the Board of Directors, providing input, advice, and assistance across all aspects of football operation.

This will include:
* Academy development
* Player recruitment
* Player and staff wellbeing – with 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.

Earlier this summer, Noble travelled to the United States to complete an Entertainment, Media and Sports Business leadership course at the prestigious Harvard Business School, and he will continue to spend time working on a number of personal projects and business interests as he recommences his dedicated service to West Ham United 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 twenty four years as a player here, first seven years in the Academy and then eighteen years 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.

“The last two years, of my playing days 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.”

Good working relations

Manager David Moyes said: “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 in his new role.”

West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan said: “On behalf of everyone at West Ham United, I would like to say how delighted we are that Mark has agreed to accept the offer to return in this new and exciting role.

“He is already familiar in every aspect of the organisation, he personally knows all of the staff who work here across all departments, and he always puts the Club’s best interests at the heart of everything he does. He will help to provide another strong link between the football operation and the wider Club, and will continue to be a great asset to West Ham United.

“On behalf of the Board, we wish him all the very best and look forward to seeing him continue to represent West Ham United with passion, commitment and style.”

WHU/Lekan Orenuga