Harry Redknapp has argued that Mark Noble could one day become West Ham manager.
The Hammers captain has become a permanent fixture at the club, and former Irons boss Redknapp pulled no punches in his prediction for the 31-year-old’s future.
Speaking on talkSPORT (April 2nd, 9.15am), he said: “I think one day down the line. I think he’s a right sensible lad.
“He’s been an excellent captain. He looks like a good lad in the dressing room and a leader.
“Why not? Why not promote from within if you’ve got somebody like that in the future. Why have you got to go and get another foreign manager?
“He knows the game inside out and knows the club. He looks a great guy. Why shouldn’t you groom him to eventually become the manager?”
OPINION
This is a big claim from Redknapp, but you can see where he is coming from. Mark Noble has made himself into Mr. West Ham, and there is nobody who knows the modern iteration of the club as well as he does. The 31-year-old bleeds claret and blue, and you can tell that the team means an awful lot to him. Surely he would jump at the opportunity to learn his coaching trade at his boyhood club, and if it’s something he wants to do, and something he is good at, why shouldn’t he be given a chance at the big job somewhere down the line. It’s something that English clubs seem to be cottoning on to, but something that European sides have been doing for years – sometimes it doesn’t have to be the biggest name or the most impressive CV that gets the hot seat. Sometimes it can be wiser and more sustainable to look internally at a trusted figure who knows the club inside-out. Noble is that man.
