Club legend Tony Cottee has expressed his delight in the club appointing Mark Noble to Sporting Director.

It was officially announced yesterday that our former captain will return to take up the role which will commence at the start of the new year.

Cottee took to social media to share his thoughts on the move, with the former Hammers striker stating the importance that the role went to someone who understand the ethos of the club.

“I’m so pleased that West Ham have given Noble a role at the Club,” stated Cottee. “One Club Legends should always stay on at their hometown Clubs! Congrats mate and best of luck.”

It has been revealed that Noble undertook an Entertainment, Media and Sports Business leadership course at the  Harvard Business School during the summer, to help aid him in the next steps of his incredible West Ham United career.

Joint-Chairman David Sullivan also expressed his delight in the appointment, again stating the importance of having someone who has West Ham in their blood to take up the exciting position to work alongside David Moyes and the board.

“He has been and always will be a part of the fabric of this football club,” stated Sullivan. “Mark rightly wanted to spend some precious time with his family after 18 years of non-stop devoted service as a player, but there was never any doubt that he would come back in a senior role in the near future.

“He is already familiar in every aspect of the organisation, he personally knows all of the staff who work here across all departments, and he always puts the Club’s best interests at the heart of everything he does. He will help to provide another strong link between the football operation and the wider Club, and will continue to be a great asset to West Ham United.

“On behalf of the Board, we wish him all the very best and look forward to seeing him continue to represent West Ham United with passion, commitment and style.”