Mark Noble returns to West Ham for exciting new sporting director role alongside David Moyes

West Ham have confirmed club legend Mark Noble will return as sporting director, after retiring from football four months ago.

The former captain walked away from the game this summer after an 18-year career where he enjoyed success with the club from Championship years to the Premier League.

He suffered relegation during his time with the Irons but has always played on to see the team reach the semi-final of the Europa League in a brilliant one-club-man career.

In all, the midfielder played more than 500 games for the Hammers and was captain for the last six years.

Noble retired at the end of last season but after just four months away, he will return to the club in a different capacity as he looks to give back to the younger generation.

A statement said Noble would “work closely in support of manager David Moyes, as well as working with the board of directors, providing input, advice, and assistance across all aspects of the football operation”.

And Noble added: “I’m really happy to be coming back and can’t wait to get started.

“I’ve spent the last 24 years as a player here, first in the academy and then in the first team, and obviously have a deep knowledge and understanding of the club.

“In particular, the last two years, as my playing days began to naturally wind down, gave me a fantastic opportunity to really spend some time educating myself and gaining greater knowledge and understanding of the work that goes on behind the scenes.”

He added: “This club has made some fantastic strides forward in that period and I am really looking forward to coming back at such an exciting time.”

His appointment is expected to kick in in January.

David Moyes and his team will hope the positive development will lead to a change in fortunes on the pitch after a slow start to the Premier League campaign.