David Moyes has admitted he is not sure if Mark Noble’s future at West Ham lies on the coaching staff following his retirement at the end of the season. Noble signed a 12-month contract extension at the end of last season to extend his stay on the playing staff at West Ham until the summer of 2022 when he will finally hang up his boots. Moyes admitted that although he has no wish to hurry along Noble’s retirement he is aware the captain is already making plans for his post-playing career.Asked if Noble would be transitioning into a coaching role come the end of the season
David Moyes said: “I think Mark has other ideas. Maybe a role as a sporting director or a technical director rather than on the footballing side. We’re already starting to use Mark in other roles behind the scenes.”
Moyes added that despite his career winding down the skipper is still a fundamental member of his squad who will play a big part this season, particularly during the busy festive period.
David Moyes said: “He’s going to have a massive part to play in the period leading up to Christmas particularly, where we will need lots of players for a lot of extra games. I hope that Mark will be in good condition, fit, and ready to play because he can bring experience when he comes on in games, he can feel the tempo and the speed of the games and help us. So he’s far from ruled out of playing more and we’re not talking about putting him out to grass yet, but we are preparing for life after first-team football.”
Noble may have lost his starting spot in the team but his influence at West Ham is clear. Whether it is as a coach, director of football or an ambassador keeping “Mr West Ham” involved at the club will be a priority for Moyes and the board come the end of the season.
