Mark Noble role at West Ham United could be no more than ‘symbolic’ appointment
Sunday People journalist Tom Hopkinson has concerns about Mark Noble’s appointment as sporting director might only be a “symbolic” role for the ex-West Ham captain.
It was confirmed by the Irons on 22 September that Noble will return to the London Stadium to work behind the scenes with David Moyes from 2 January onwards.
However, in West Ham’s statement, it said that the former midfielder will continue to work on other projects at the same time as doing his duties at the London Stadium.
Hopkinson is worried by that and suggests that Noble’s appointment as sporting director might be no more than a kind gesture to a modern-day hero.
Writing in the Sunday People’s print edition on 25 September (page 55), Hopkinson said: “Great news that Mark Noble will return to West Ham as sporting director in January, just eight months after hanging up his boots.
“The only slight concern came from the line in the press release announcing his appointment, which reveals Nobes would ‘continue to spend time working on a number of personal projects and business interests’.
“Because, if this is really anything more than a symbolic appointment, he won’t have time for those.”
Fair concern
It remains to be seen how much of a role Noble will have at West Ham.
Earlier this week, it was confirmed that he’ll be working closely with Moyes and the board of directors to develop new players for the East London club.
The Hammers say his job “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”.
That’s all well and good. But that’s a lot of work.
Can he combine that with whatever else he’s supposed to be doing? Or will his role at the club only be something that takes up a fraction of his time each week?
It feels as though that’s a full-time role, surely anything to do with player recruitment is.
And things like staff wellbeing and academy player development are ongoing and ever-changing.
Has Noble bitten off more than he can chew by thinking he can do this job as well as manage his other ventures?