West Ham United have made their transfer plans clear with a statement on the Mark Noble role and responsibilities from January.
West Ham today confirmed that Noble will return to the club in a newly created Sporting Director role from January.
The legendary Hammers figure has been hugely missed off the pitch and in the West Ham dressing room this season.
But he will return to the club in an official capacity on January 2nd 2023 after bringing the curtain down on his career as a West Ham player back in May after 550 senior appearances across 18 years in a Claret and Blue shirt.
To some fans and sections of the media, it may seem like a PR exercise from West Ham’s owners to bring back the golden boy.
And sceptics will suggest it is will amount to nothing more than an ambassadorial role at the London Stadium.
Well it seems that is very far from the truth according to a bold statement from the club.
West Ham have been seriously disappointing so far this season despite having spent over £170m on eight signings in an unprecedented summer window.
The Hammers are languishing in the relegation zone of the fledgling Premier League table and seriously need to get some wins under their belt during a jam-packed October.
David Moyes has taken a much more considered approach to recruitment since his return to the club. The Scot has previously revealed he would seek Noble’s advice on a host of issues and matters, including transfers.
Now West Ham have made their transfer plans clear with a statement on the Noble role and responsibilities from January.
West Ham have stated that Noble will ‘work closely in support of manager Moyes, as well as working with the Board of Directors, providing input, advice, and assistance across all aspects of the football operation’.
And Nobes will play a key role in transfers from January onwards, both in terms of recruitment and helping new arrivals settle in.
“This (role) 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,” West Ham said in a statement.
Moyes has repeatedly stated how difficult he is finding it to integrate his new signings after a busy summer at West Ham.
And that is clearly having a negative impact on results while also leaving fans frustrated.
So having Noble on board helping get these new boys settled in can only help on and off the pitch.