West Ham United legend Mark Noble will play a crucial role in his impending role as sporting director to ensure that new signings understand the club and buy into its philosophy.
What’s the word?
That is according to journalist Dean Jones, who expects the former Irons captain to inform new signings of the philosophy in place at West Ham once he assumes his sporting director role in January.
The self-proclaimed transfer insider is mindful that the club’s recent success in Europe could have the unwanted effect of incoming players not grasping the journey that the Hammers have taken to get to their current standing.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones said: “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 League.
“Part of Mark Noble’s job is to make sure that they’re left in no doubt about what it means to play for West Ham. Then beyond that, he can start to build out his role as a sporting director.”
Mr West Ham
Jones’ expectation surrounding Noble’s new role at the club indicates that West Ham got it quite right when hiring the 35-year-old as the club’s sporting director, which seems a natural progression after so many years serving as captain.
Who better is there to persuade new players to fall in love with the ethos of the club and buy into the ambitions of the east London outfit than the man who came through the academy ranks and has earned the nickname ‘Mr West Ham‘?
Having not long retired, this is the perfect time for the former Irons skipper to commence his off-field role, transitioning his leadership skills into an off-field setting as the Hammers aim to recruit players who have the correct mentality and personality to thrive in claret and blue.
As initial strategies go, this seems like a no-brainer from the club, so hopefully Noble can enjoy as much popularity in his new role as he did during his playing career in east London.
