Moyes pictured speaking with club sporting director during training session

West Ham knew tougher tests were to come, though, starting with the trip to high-flying Newcastle at the weekend.

St James’ Park is a daunting prospect for any team at the moment. But on a Saturday night under the lights just days after the Magpies secured a first cup final since 1999 and the task was made all the more difficult.

Throw in the fact West Ham conceded less than three minutes after kick-off and many were fearing the worst.

The Hammers showed great resilience, though, coming back to equalise through Lucas Paqueta.

The team showed two sides to their game, looking a threat in the first half and solid in the second to hold on for a 1-1 draw.

Another positive result has fans starting to believe again. It was not so long ago that many were bemoaning the loss of leader and legend Mark Noble in the summer.

The impact of Noble’s retirement has clearly been felt in the changing room this season.

So much so we at Hammers News called for him to head straight for the dressing room when he returned to the club as sporting director at the start of January.

Noble is said to have a close relationship with Moyes. And that was certainly evident ahead of the clash with Chelsea this weekend.

Because Moyes has been pictured speaking with club sporting director Noble during a West Ham training session.

West Ham published a gallery of photos from Rush Green on Monday evening.

And image number 19 of 20 shows Noble and Moyes having a chat as they watch the players train along with assistant boss Mark Warburton.

West Ham fans would dearly love to earwig that particular conversation.

But one thing is for certain it will have been a lot more positive in the wake of recent performances and results.

West Ham majority owner David Sullivan spoke to Hammers News two weeks ago to rubbish shock claims that Noble was set to resign less than a month into his new role.

So this is further evidence that Noble is going nowhere.

There was no danger of Nobes pulling his football boots on again, though, as he was pictured in his jeans and the very unfortunately named Chelsea boots.

Let’s hope Noble’s presence acted as a timely reminder of just what a London derby against Chelsea means for West Ham United.

The Hammers welcome the Blues to the London Stadium for a 12.30pm kick-off this Saturday. The game will be broadcast live on BT Sport.

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