There’s not much the club is getting wrong at the moment and the decision to change the name of the category “Young Hammer of the Year” to Mark Noble Young Hammer of the Year Award is a totally brilliant decision.
It seems impossible to believe that this – the most loyal of club servant in the game – is the moment of his imminent departure but come May 22 that will be it.
No player deserves to be remembered more and this decision ensures that his name is right up there with the Hammers greats who have made this club one of the proudest in the country.
So first and foremost thank you Nobes – we are proud to have been associated with you all these years and well done again to the club for a great decision in making sure you will always be remembered.
The Board announced at Monday’s 2021/22 Player Awards that the skipper’s name will now be synonymous with the Club’s outstanding young professional, with Ben Johnson becoming the inaugural winner of the Mark Noble Award.
As a mentor to the Club’s young players – including Declan Rice and Johnson – the Board felt it was a fitting way to pay tribute to a man who has given so much to the Club, on and off the pitch.
“This evening we celebrate the career of one of the greatest Hammers to progress from that Academy,” said Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold.
“Mark Noble epitomises absolutely everything that West Ham United stands for – he is loyal, committed, honest, and blessed with great character and personality – and that is why he is universally loved by West Ham United fans everywhere.
“Mark has always put West Ham United before himself. His leadership and character have been invaluable in helping the Club to grow and improve, on and off the pitch. The work he does, much of it unseen, has made things easier for his managers, his teammates and the Board.”
Mark Noble with Academy prospects following the UEFA Europa League tie with Dinamo Zagreb
“Whatever his future holds will be Mark’s decision, but he knows that he will always be an intrinsic part of this Football Club,” Mr Sullivan and Mr Gold confirmed.
“We sincerely thank Mark for his unrivalled efforts and magnificent loyalty and know that our supporters will give him the fitting send-off that he deserves in his final home match for the Club this coming weekend.”
