West Ham boss David Moyes has hinted at a major role for skipper Mark Noble when he retires.
Noble will hang up the boots at the end of the season.
Moyes said, "I think Mark'll be around - I don't think he'll be too far away! We'd like to keep him in some capacity around the place because of the years he's been here.
"When you finish playing, you might want a bit of time away with the family or away from training.
"The other day, he played really well. He's done a great job and there's no doubt about his ability or tactical nouse, it's just age catching up with him physically.
"Not only that, but I think he's a great ambassador for West Ham United Football Club as well."
Moyes also said: "It's probably good West Ham supporters who could give you that answer!
"I think we've got a really good team here. We've some really exciting players and I have to try and build on that. If you stand still, you'll fall back.
"In the opening part of the season, I think we've stepped up again. We want West Ham to grow as well - a new, young West Ham support - and we want to keep building on what we're doing."
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