West Ham: Mark Noble has 'key role' with new signings at London Stadium

West Ham United legend Mark Noble will be responsible for ensuring new signings buy into the club’s philosophy when he begins his new role as sporting director at the London Stadium, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The former midfielder announced his retirement from playing after 18 years as a Hammer last season but is now set to return sooner than many may have expected.

This month saw West Ham confirm that the 35-year-old has been appointed as the club’s new sporting director.

In a statement, the club confirmed that Noble would begin his new job on January 2, 2023, after he travelled to America to complete an Entertainment, Media and Sport Business course at Harvard.

Speaking as part of the confirmation, the fan-favourite said he was ‘really happy’ to be returning and that he ‘couldn’t wait to get started’.

His former manager David Moyes also piled on the congratulations, saying he knows Noble will continue to offer ‘fantastic support’ and that there was ‘nobody better qualified’ for such a role.

Jones understands that part of Noble’s new role will be to inform new signings of the philosophy in place at West Ham.

The journalist added that, beyond those duties, the veteran will be able to continue to grow his position as he sees fit.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “Nobody knows this club’s philosophy and journey better than Mark Noble and that’s something that the club wants to maintain. They’ve obviously had a couple of very successful years and they don’t want to drop off.

“I think that’s what they’re fearful of. As they’re now having to rebuild the squad and bring in new players, there’s just that concern that the players that come in don’t totally understand how they got to the heights of making it into the Europa