A huge vote of thanks to the skipper

We’ve all criticised most players wearing the claret and blue at some point or other – sadly it’s what we do in a game of instant and often over reaction.

I’ve had my moments with the captain but the reality is that in a game where those immediate judgements are made Mark Noble defies such stereotypical thinking.

And it would be wrong to let the 15th anniversary of his professional debut to pass without saying a big thank you to a man who has been dedicated to this club since childhood.

In days such as this when mercenaries’ kiss the badge and take the money, loyalty of such as Nobes’ as a one club man is virtually beyond words.

And his influence towards the end of last season, and again yesterday, is a tribute in itself to a bloke who at 32 continues to talk about having many more years in front of him.

(Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

Mark Noble will be around this club for years to come in some capacity or other and the simple truth is we all owe him.

He may not have the panache of many but his influence and leadership will never be forgotten by those of us who have seen him in his prime.

Here’s how he sums up his own time at the club with typical modesty: “In all honesty, I didn’t think I’d be playing 15 years on when I made my debut, especially at this level.

“I have worked hard, kept myself in the best condition possible and I’m still going strong and hopefully I’ve got many more years to come!”

Thanks skipper and COYI