You might have doubts about Mark Noble’s credentials to walk from the pitch into the position of West Ham United’s sporting director. That’s understandable.
The speed of the move is unusual — he has almost gone straight from life as a player into a world of tackling tough negotiations and strategic decisions. But it is a role that encompasses some of the responsibilities he shouldered during his 18-year career as a professional, particularly the seven years he spent as West Ham captain.
Noble, who retired in May after 550 senior appearances for his boyhood club, recently completed an entertainment, media and sports business leadership course at Harvard Business School. The 35-year-old officially starts his new role in January and will be tasked with player recruitment, academy development and providing support for staff and players from both men’s and women’s sides from a well-being perspective.
Recruitment is an area in which Noble has some previous experience. In March, he played a key role in Elliott Ward’s appointment as under-14s coach. The former West Ham defender wanted to expand his coaching experience and Noble felt he was a good fit. Ward held that position for four months before he was approached to become Colchester United Under-18s’ lead coach.
Noble also played a role in Zavon Hines’ appointment as under-13s coach in 2019. He also recommended Jack Collison, now head coach for Atlanta United’s reserve team, for the under-16s role in 2017.
But his experience is not only tailored to the academy. It is worth remembering before David Moyes’ reappointment in December 2019 that the board consulted Noble about the decision.
