---
title: "West Ham: Media react to ‘unusual’ Noble appointment"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/mark-noble-sporting-director-whufc/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Premier League News"
published: "2022-09-24T09:05:38Z"
modified: "2022-09-24T09:05:38Z"
---

# West Ham: Media react to ‘unusual’ Noble appointment

**Members of the national media have erupted over some major [West Ham United](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/west-ham-news/) news with club legend Mark Noble set to become new sporting director.**

### The Lowdown: Hammers confirm Noble return…

The Hammers shared some big news on Thursday with the [announcement](https://www.whufc.com/news/mark-noble-take-sporting-director-role-january) of Noble’s imminent return to the club, but not on the pitch or in the dressing room.

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Noble, who recently retired from the professional game after [18 full seasons](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11685/12703138/mark-noble-west-ham-legend-to-return-to-boyhood-club-in-january-as-sporting-director#:~:text=Noble%2C%2035%2C%20retired%20at%20the,get%20started%2C%22%20Noble%20said.) with his boyhood team, will take up the role of sporting director on January 2 next year.

The former midfield star will work in tandem with manager David Moyes and the West Ham board of directors, where he will have a major say in player recruitment, academy development and other aspects of running the [Premier League](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-news/) side.

### The Latest: Media erupt over ‘unusual’ appointment…

Following this major off-field news, members of the media have been quick to voice their diverse range of opinions – with some praising West Ham but others calling Noble’s appointment ‘unusual’.

[West Ham latest news!](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-news-5/)

They explained:

***“Mark Noble appointed West Ham’s sporting director. Exciting appointment.” –*** *Sami Mokbel, Daily Mail (via [Twitter)](https://twitter.com/SamiMokbel81_DM/status/1572882008782643201).*

***“Having no Mark Noble around the dressing room has been a bit of an issue at West Ham this season. So his appointment as Sporting Director makes perfect sense.”  –*** *Ian Darke, BT Sport and ESPN commentator (via [Twitter)](https://twitter.com/IanDarke/status/1572912609632096256).*

***“So is Mark Noble now David Moyes’ superior? Maybe their relationship is strong enough but it’s…unusual.” –*** *Daniel Zeqiri, The Telegraph (via [Twitter](https://twitter.com/ZeqiriDan/status/1572946613605388288)).*

### The Verdict: Great move…

We believe the 35-year-old’s return to east London comes as a great move, mainly given his standing among the fanbase and knowledge of all things West Ham.

His popularity at the club and in the stands along with a strong relationship with Moyes’ squad already gives him a head start on the role, and it’s likely the former club captain has his fair share of insight on academy matters too.

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You’d be hard pressed to find a man who knows the ins-and-outs of West Ham more than Noble given he spent nearly 20 years at Rush Green and make [550 senior appearances.](https://www.whufc.com/news/mark-noble-take-sporting-director-role-january)