The search for our new Academy manager to replace the departing Ricky Martin is narrowing with the club hopeful to conclude the appointment soon.

Martin, who has been with the club for almost 4 years, will depart to become the 1st team Technical Director at Stoke City, as previously and exclusively revealed by ExWHUEmployee a few weeks ago.

The club have been looking at both internally and externally for what will be a huge appointment to get correct, with the club keen to make sure the winning candidate fully engages with the history and ethos of West Ham United.

Mark Noble, who has been made Sporting Director which was scheduled to commence in the new year, is leading the project to replace Martin as his first key task since returning to the club.

It is felt that with Nobles understanding of all aspects of the football club he is the ideal man to be leading the recruitment process. It is understood there are currently 2-3 players that coaches within the Academy have very high hopes for, so the new appointment will be tasked in aiding their development and making sure they remain committed and content in East London.