Mark Noble rarely speaks publicly about West Ham in his role as sporting director but when he does, his words carry weight.
Graham Potter finds himself in the very rare position of having a free hit at West Ham right now.
Julen Lopetegui and Tim Steidten did such a terrible job this season that West Ham’s campaign has had almost zero jeopardy since Potter’s arrival.
The Englishman’s first game as Hammers boss came 24 hours after his first training session.
That FA Cup third round tie at Aston Villa always looked a tough ask.
West Ham put in a much-improved and promising performance.
Injuries to Niclas Fullkrug and Crysencio Summerville derailed the Hammers who surrendered a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1.
Potter’s novel West Ham luxury
Having also gone out of the Carabao Cup at the third round, being well clear of relegation and miles off the European places, West Ham’s season was all but over on January 10th.
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Of course there is pride and Premier League placing cash still to play for.
But it has all resulted in Potter being given the unusual luxury of what is being billed a prolonged pre-season.
A seven-month pre-season is an interesting and novel concept.
The reality of course is that big changes will be coming to the playing personnel this summer.
And while a core group from this season will remain, new signings will have to adapt and gel with their teammates and the manager in the summer months.
Another reality for Potter is that the slack he is being cut over performances and results now will be replaced by expectation this summer.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Hammers fans restless but realistic over boring performances
It could even be argued that Potter will be under more pressure as a result of having had so long to get the team how he wants it.
Now Mark Noble has told Potter what West Ham expect and allayed fan fears.
There has been some frustration among supporters with performances so far.
Potter has won three, drawn one and lost five of his first nine games in charge.
There were even some groans with the performance in the win over Leicester.
Many supporters have already been complaining about the style of play, bemoaning the team’s incessant sideways and backwards passing, which was on show against Newcastle.
Noble name-drops Moyes, tells Potter what West Ham expect
Fans hoped the team would be playing a quicker, more attacking and front-footed style of football.
Potter has conceded the team has a long way to go to play as he wants them to going forward.
The former Brighton boss even apologised to fans that he has not been able to implement that more quickly.
Most supporters are giving Potter a pass this season, though, believing he cannot be judged until next term.
Hammers legend Noble has praised Potter, saying he has helped settle the group and get West Ham more organised again.
Photo by Julian Finney - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Noble praises impact of ‘people person’ Potter at West Ham
The sporting director has revealed he has regular chats with the manager, with whom he already shares a ‘great relationship’.
Noble says ‘people person’ Potter has already got a big response from the players after a tough period.
He gave ex boss Moyes his flowers and conceded things simply weren’t meant to be with Lopetegui.
But Noble is also one of Potter’s bosses.
And he has made it clear what kind of football the Hammers hierarchy and fans will want to see from pre-season.
Essentially it needs to be a lot faster and geared towards scoring more.
More excitement expected at West Ham next season
“Hopefully fast-paced football, a lot of goals and excitement…” Noble told NBC Sports when asked what fans can expect to see from Potter’s side on their US tour in pre-season.
“I think he (Potter) knows the league obviously, he’s worked in the Premier League before.
“He’s a real people’s person. You can go into his office and have a chat with him and I get on great with him personally and I think the players have responded to (his appointment).
“It’s been a tough nine months for us. Moyesie was fantastic for us.
“And we then went with Julen and we were hoping to crack on with him but it wasn’t meant to be.
“Graham has come in now and everyone seems to have settled down and the place is very happy.
“We’ve had a couple of great results and clean sheets, which is very important.”
Credit to Noble for speaking out.
He will be well aware there have already some misgivings over performances under Potter.
So it is good to see him try and nip any negativity in the bud.
Make no mistake, though, the pressure will be on Potter next season.
And not even Noble can shield him from those expectations.