West Ham Appoints Mark Noble As Sporting Director

West Ham United has announced that Mark Noble is to return to the club in the role of Sporting Director.

The Hammers legend will officially start in his post on 2 January 2023, following his retirement as a player earlier this year after 550 senior appearances across 18 years of service in a Claret and Blue shirt.

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 wellbeing – 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.

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 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. 

“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.”