West Ham legend, Mark Noble, is in the final stages of his career, announcing his retirement from the East London club after 17 years.
The 34-year-old has reached legendary status at his boyhood club, West Ham, with a career spanning 500 appearances, scoring 6o goals and bagging 61 assists for the Hammers in his time.
It has not been confirmed as to what the midfielder intends to do after he finishes his final season with West Ham in May 2022, but David Moyes has shared his thoughts on Noble’s next steps;
“I think Mark has other ideas, maybe a role as a sporting director or a technical director rather than on the footballing side.
“We’re already starting to use Mark in other roles behind the scenes.”
The footballer has become a fan favourite over the years, with his debut for West Ham in 2004, that has seen him a starter for almost two decades, with Noble now taking a more backseat role as a substitute as he sees out the last games of his career.
West Ham have recently had new financial backing from Daniel Kretinsky, who, after securing a 27% stake in the club, is hopeful to take over the entire club in the future and take full ownership.
The Evening Standard reported on the deal and the expectations of Kretinsky’s involvement; “His initial investment will help West Ham pay their debt which stands at £150m and David Moyes is unlikely to spend big in January as the Hammers chase Champions League qualification, though the Scot will be backed to bring in a central defender and a back-up striker to cover for Michail Antonio.”
Noble will surely be interested in continuing to play a part in the new journey West Ham are on, especially after they qualified for Europe in 6th place last season and are now challenging for a top-four spot and a potential title challenge, with the Hammers just four points off the top of the table right now.
Until then, Moyes has suggested that Noble is set to play a big part in the current season at West Ham, as they rotate more players especially around the Christmas period where fixtures will be congested for the club.
The Scottish manager said; “He’s going to have a massive part to play in the period leading up to Christmas particularly, where we will need lots of players for a lot of extra games,”
“I hope that Mark will be in good condition, fit and ready to play, because he can bring experience when he comes on in games. I feel that he can help us set the tempo in certain games.”
Once he’s played his part for the rest of the campaign, it would not be a great surprise if we saw him on the other side of the curtain next term, helping the likes of Kretinsky and GSB to form a better future for West Ham.
Rob Newman will also be involved as head of recruitment but in Noble, a man dubbed “unbelievable” by Declan Rice, they could find a director worthy of finally replacing Mario Husillos in a director’s role.
It’s safe to say that the club’s current captain would have their best interests at heart, and in knowing the Irons inside out, could provide Moyes and co with some valuable information from behind the scenes.
The thought of him hanging up his boots is a sad one, but providing he can still play his part in West Ham’s success from elsewhere, supporters will surely be happy.
AND in other news, Imagine him & Antonio: WHU can start Kretinsky era with a bang by signing £80k-p/w gem…