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West Ham have opened talks with Mark Noble over a new role at the club, according to the
The veteran midfielder is hanging up his boots at the end of the season after spending his entire career at his boyhood club. He made his debut under Alan Pardew in 2004 and has amassed more than 450 appearances since, captaining the side since 2015.
It was assumed by many that the 34-year-old would remain at the club after his playing career. And reports suggest that David Moyes is keen on making this happen.
It is currently unknown which role he will take on in the summer. However, it is thought to be either assisting the Scot with training sessions or on the recruitment side of things.
Moyes is said to consult his captain when it comes to bringing in new players, with the Hammers boss keen on expanding his recruitment team further.
Another possible role for Noble would be in the famous West Ham academy. The midfielder progressed through that very academy in the early noughties, with his son Lenny now going through the ranks.
Speaking to recently Noble said: “We’ve got some top young talent that has come through and will come through.’
‘I’m at the academy all the time, see the boys train and there are two or three U16s who look like they could make that next step.”
End of an era
Noble is the definition of a one-club man, with many believing his kind will never be seen again, and he has been a key figure at the club during a crucial time in their history.
The midfielder was a key player during their promotion season of 2011/2012 after on season in the Championship. Following the departure of Kevin Nolan in 2015, he was promoted to club captain ahead of the final season at the Boleyn Ground. That same season he was given a testimonial for his service with all proceeds going to charity.
Although fortunes have been hiding for much of the Hammers time at the former Olympic Stadium, their skipper’s commitment to the club cannot be faulted. He has made 465 appearances in total, where has scored 55 goals, and proved to be one of the best penalty takers in Europe.
There is no doubt that it will be a sad day for everyone involved at West Ham when Noble bids farewell to the beautiful game. However, with less than six months to go until retirement, the fairytale of witnessing such a beloved character bow out by lifting some silverware remains possible.