Mark Noble watches Dapo Afolayan in Bolton Wanderers v Charlton Athletic
West Ham United skipper Mark Noble was spotted watching Bolton Wanderers forward Dapo Afolayan at a game on Tuesday night.
The 24-year-old left the Hammers permanently in the summer after several loan spells away from the London Stadium, but he has apparently kept in touch with his former captain.
Afolayan scored the equaliser in the League One clash as Bolton came from behind to secure a 4-1 victory over Charlton Athletic, and Noble would have been impressed.
Twitter user Jay Jay Partridge shared a clip of the West Ham midfielder and the Harrow-born forward embracing after the game last night.
He said: “Mark Noble here to see Dapo Afolayan.”
Class
Afolayan signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Irons in February 2018, but he never got to make his debut until January 2021, appearing as a substitute and scoring in the 4-0 FA Cup win against Doncaster Rovers.
It was his only senior team appearance for the Hammers as he joined Bolton on loan the following month, and they activated the option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season.
While he scored just once in 21 League Two games last term, he has five goals in 10 League One appearances this term after helping them to promotion.
Bolton boss Ian Evatt called him ‘magic’ and a ‘talented boy’, backing him to do well for the Trotters when he made his debut last term, and he is already doing that [Manchester Evening News].
Things did not work out at West Ham, and Afolayan will now be looking to work his way back up to the top-flight.
Noble has continued to support his former teammate, and showing up to watch him is a classy gesture.
It would have meant a lot to the forward, and while they will not be playing together again, he will be keen to play against the Hammers in the Premier League someday.
In other West Ham news, agent of Hammers ace has requested talks with club after unfair decision.
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