With coaching currently not a priority for Noble, he will work closely with David Moyes and the managers. The 35-year-old will provide information, advice and assistance across West Ham’s football operation, with responsibilities including a focus on player recruitment, academy development and player and staff welfare. Noble, who made 550 appearances for West Ham before retiring at the end of last season, will focus on ensuring signings and academy players embrace the club’s footballing philosophy and values. He will also ensure there is strategic alignment across the club. Noble, who traveled to the US to complete an entertainment, media and sports business course at Harvard Business School last summer, said: “I’m very happy to be back and can’t wait to get started. I would like to thank the club for giving me the opportunity – it is a great honor for me to take on this role at West Ham United. “I have spent the last 24 years as a player here, first in the academy and then in the first team, and obviously I have a deep knowledge and understanding of the club. Throughout my career, the one thing I’ve strived for more than anything else has been continuous improvement, on and off the field. “This became even more important to me when I was named club captain in 2015 and the past seven years have given me so much experience and preparation for the next stage of my life and career. “The last couple of years in particular, as my playing days began to naturally come to an end, gave me a fantastic opportunity to really spend some time educating myself and gaining a greater knowledge and understanding of the work that goes on behind the scenes. This club has made some fantastic steps forward in that time and I’m really looking forward to returning at such an exciting time.” Moyes, whose side are in 18th place after a difficult start, said: “I’m very happy to welcome back Mark. He has been a great asset to me as a player and captain and I know he will give the club and myself fantastic support again in that role.” Start your evenings with the Guardian’s view of the world of football Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. West Ham co-owner David Sullivan said: “He was and always will be part of the fabric of this club. There was no doubt that he would be back in a senior role in the near future. “He is already familiar with every aspect of the organisation, knows personally all the staff who work here in all departments and always puts the interests of the club at the heart of everything he does. He will help create an even stronger link between the football operation and the wider club and will continue to be a great asset to West Ham.”
