David Noakes was a manager for Eastbourne FC between 10 September 1906 and 30 April 1931, also between 27 October 1939 and 4 March 1942.

David was first elected at Honorable Secretary in September 1906, managers in amateur football didn’t exist as the time and teams were picked by the Hon. Secretary and the committee. Eastbourne were playing in the South Eastern League Division 2, Having been relegated the previous season from Division 1. In 1907 Eastbourne played in the Southern Amateur League. He led the Eastbourne team to two championships in 1923 and 1925, also winning the Sussex Senior Cup in 1922, the Amateur FA Senior Cup also in 1922 and in 1925 and winning the Challenge international du Nord (Northern International Challenge), One of two International Trophies won by the club.

David retired from management in April 1931 but remained with the club on the committee. He returned to management in 1939 when his predecessor, William Grevett was called up to serve in the Second World War. He stepped down in March 1942 when Ernest Collings took over as manager.

David passed away on 12 July 1944 having managed at total of 572 games.

Stats:
Total league games (1906-1931) 395; Won 192; Drawn 62; Lost 141. Win % 48.61
Total league games (1939-1942) 14; Won 4; Drawn 4; Lost 6. Win % 28.57
Total cup games (1906-1931) 161; Won 86; Drawn 27; Lost 48. Win % 53.42
Total cup games (1939-1942) 2; Won 0; Drawn 0; Lost 2. Win % 0