HarperNonFiction scores memoir from West Ham United captain Mark Noble

HarperNonFiction has scored the memoir of West Ham United captain Mark Noble, written with the Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg.  

Joel Simons, publishing director, acquired world all language rights to Boleyn Boy from Tom Caplan at 10Ten Talent for Noble and Ben Dunn at DunnFogg for Steinberg. It will publish on 10th November.  

Noble joined the West Ham Youth Academy in 2000 and went on to make more than 500 appearances for the club. He is now retiring as their captain and the longest-serving one-club player in Europe. In Boleyn Boy he tells his story: from growing up a West Ham supporter in Canning Town, east London, to leading his boyhood club to a Europa League semi-final. Along the way he opens up on his two-decade span with the Hammers, covering everything from promotion to relegation, Di Canio to Lampard, Ferdinand to Tevez and Pardew to Moyes.  

The publisher said: “This electrifying new autobiography is an irresistible Premier League story and cements Noble’s legacy as one of the greatest players to have pulled on the claret and blue shirt.” 

Noble said: “I’ve lived my dream, playing for and captaining the team I supported as a boy. There have been many ups and downs throughout my 18 years, but I can honestly say that I am so grateful for the career and opportunities I have had. To be finishing on my terms, after such a positive and memorable season for the club, with so many great memories and moments, is a wonderful thing. I am delighted to be working with Joel at Harper Collins and Jacob to write my story and share it later this year.” 

Simons added: “I’m delighted to be working with Mark on his autobiography this autumn. He’s a local lad turned Premier League legend, who has spent the past two decades living the impossible dream as the Hammers’ captain. As such his book is full of incredible Premier League stories and football insight, and is a wonderful celebration of his enduring career. I can’t wait to publish it in November.”