WHZ View: 17 and not out – West Ham skipper Mark Noble deserving of one more year
News broke this morning that West Ham United captain Mark Noble has agreed a new one-year contract with his boyhood club.
Currently in his 17th season, his contract was set to expire at the end of the 2020/21 campaign. A Hammers legend, no doubt, it would have been sad to see him bow out in an empty stadium.
As reported by The Athletic, Noble and the club have been in talks about a new short-term deal for the past few months. He’s adopted more of a dressing room role in his absence from the first team, but is still contributing to the success this season.
Mr West Ham
They don’t make them like him anyone. An old school, no-nonsense midfielder and as loyal as they come. West Ham is Noble’s club, he’ll go down in history with the greats when he hangs up his boots.
It’s excellent to see him given another season. The skipper made his 500th appearance for the club last season in the crucial victory over Watford. Such a monumental achievement was deserving of a huge reception from the home crowd, but due to Covid regulations, he played in an empty stadium.
The number 16 has lived the dream of every West Ham fan. Growing up in Canning Town, Noble grew up to play for the club he loved. He graduated through the academy and was named club captain by Slaven Bilic in 2015.
He’s seen two relegations and two promotions. The FA Cup run of 2006. Captain of the glorious last season at the Boleyn, and led us into the London Stadium. It’s arguably been one of the toughest periods in the club’s history. Whilst the relationship between the board and fans has soured, Nobes has kept the squad going through all the hard times.
It’s been tough for him to get into the team this season. The arrival of Tomas Soucek, and his formidable partnership with Declan Rice has limited his game time massively. Just the 14 league appearances this season, 304 minutes overall.
This has been a time in which he’s taken a step back, and is focusing on the future of the club. Noble has been by Rice’s side, helping him make the transition from academy graduate to club captain. As Moyes looks to promote more youth, and bring in fresher talent, Noble has assisted with embedding the youngsters into the first team.
At the very least, he is deserving to play in front of the fans again before his playing days are up. Admittedly, he hasn’t quite got the legs anymore, but Noble still oozes class. He’s scored the second most Premier League goals for the Hammers with 46. One away from equaling Di Canio’s record. He’s also four appearances away from 400 in the top-flight. Miles ahead of second-placed Carlton Cole, with 216.
Noble will go down as one of the best to ever wear claret and blue. He’s a modern-day Hammers hero. We can’t wait to get back into the London Stadium to support him, whilst we still can.
In other West Ham news, this Leeds Super Fan has given us the low down on our opponents ahead of tonight’s clash.