Glen Johnson admits West Ham United missing club legend Mark Noble in Premier League relegation battle
Glen Johnson believes West Ham are missing legend and fan favourite Mark Noble as they battle against relegation.
The former Hammers captain announced his retirement towards the end of last season after an 18-year career at the London Stadium right from his teens.
Noble was rewarded with a significant role as the club’s sporting director following his retirement, a role he started in January.
As the club sit just two points from safety after escaping the relegation zone with last weekend’s 4-0 win over Nottingham Forest, former Hammers defender Johnson admits the club are sorely missing their long-time captain.
Speaking [via Football.London, 1 March] ahead of the club’s FA Cup fifth-round tie against Manchester United, he said: “West Ham have missed Noble. Nobody knows the club better than him and he would have bought into his off-field role as captain and had a massive impact on the club at the training ground, in and out of the treatment room and on match days.
“He knows what the fans want and he knows what the club needs. Players that have been there and done it for so many years would have everyone’s respect and attention.”
Sorely missed
Little did David Moyes know how much he’d team would struggle without the leadership of Noble behind the scenes at the London Stadium.
The Hammers’ performance levels and confidence have dropped considerably as a result, currently fighting a needless relegation dogfight with 14 Premier League games to go.
Many around the club expected Declan Rice to be the next in line, but the England international simply cannot do it himself. Who is stepping up around him?
Craig Dawson’s departure in January has proven a tough blow too, and the club’s situation has only highlighted just how vital experienced veterans are to any football club.
It was indeed time Noble hung up his boots, considering his lack of game time last term, but all that doesn’t take away from the fact that the club have sorely missed his glorious presence in the dressing room.
Aside from Rice, just who will step up alongside him to inspire and raise the performance levels of the players in the coming weeks?