Club legends who were handed boardroom roles including Mark Noble and Paolo Maldini

dailystar.co.uk:

West Ham United legend Mark Noble is set to embark on his first challenge since hanging up his boots at the end of last season, taking on a role as sporting director at the London Stadium.Regarded as one of the greatest players to have never played for England, the ex-Hammers captain will return to his boyhood club in a new capacity after the turn of the year.

Noble, 35, will officially start his post on January 2 following 550 appearances for the east London outfit between 2004 and 2022.A West Ham statement declares that Noble will "work closely in support of manager David Moyes, as well as working with the Board of Directors, providing input, advice, and assistance across all aspects of the football operation."READ MORE: Premier League fans who set off pyro or invade pitch face automatic football banBut Noble isn't the first to have gone upstairs after enjoying a stellar playing career, Daily Star Sport brings you five others who have made the transition from club legend to the boardroom.Making over 300 appearances for Barcelona, Txiki Begiristain claimed four La Liga titles, the Copa Del Rey and the prestigious European Cup during a seven-year stint at the Camp Nou.HAVE YOUR SAY!

Which legend at your club should be installed as sporting director? Let us know in the comments section below.Part of the 'Dream Team' LaBlaugrana side, the Spaniard was flogged by legendary manager Johan Cruyff after losing his influence in the first-team and saw out the final four years of his playing career at Deportivo La Coruna and Japanese first division outfit Urawa Red Diamonds.The flying forward was then installed as director of football at Barcelona in 2003, following a brief spell as a commentator for Televisio de Catalunya..