Those who have found it impossible to not help giving Mark Noble a knock or two following his decision to call it a day at the end of next season find themselves totally at odds with his successor as skipper Declan Rice.
For the Hammers crown jewel has made it clear he is be biggest of fans and reckons just as the club retired the Mooro No 6 shirt, they should follow that by doing the same to the No 16.
Declan is a huge fan and admirer of a man who has dedicated his life to this great club and believes that West Ham simply won’t feel the same with the man gone.
There are those who insist on judging Mark on what he is as a player now – could anything be more unfair after what he has given down the years. To answer my own question the answer is a big far NO!
Now Declan – speaking to Soccer AM has made his own position absolutely clear and it would be a move to elevate the 33 year old into near legendary status.
Commenting he said: “Rice said: “I love (Noble) to pieces. I’m gutted (he’s retiring). At least we’ll get one more season with him next year. Hopefully we’ll have all the fans back to give him a great send-off.
“West Ham without Mark Noble won’t feel the same. Hopefully there’s another Mark Noble brewing in the academy who can come through and do what he’s done.
“There has to be something for him – 100%. Retire the 16 shirt I reckon. It won’t feel the same seeing another name above the 16.”
Nobes should be remembered for the entirety of his services to West Ham United, and honoured for it.
Of course he isn’t as he was, but the man is West Ham to the core, and people should never forget that.
Definitely a final year for him should be celebrated even though his chances of playing will be limited.
NOBES, we salute you my son…
COYI.
Just read Decs bit about Mark Noble
Retire the 16 shirt ,
Bloody right
Too many peeps Wiv short memories
Decs said it well to judge him on the player he is now is wrong , it’s about wot he’s given , his all
For how many yrs was his name 1st on the list
Billy Bonds a West Ham God totally amazing man
Nobes is up there Wiv him
Retire the shirt
‘You either retire a hero, or stay long enough to see yourself become the villain’
An inconvenient truth for those who choose to keep their heads buried in the sand.
It’s very unlikely West Ham will ever produce another ‘one club man’ again. Mark Noble deserves one more year even if he doesn’t take the field again. The club also need to find a role for Mark beyond that year. His influence must not be lost.
And Dec’s announcement about Mark speaks volumes about him as well. I hope that Dec will wear the claret and blue for many seasons to come.
Sorry to be complete opposite of many but yes noble been great for us for many seasons and loyal. Never had any pace but a good mid defensive warrior and not a bad passer either but should have retired definitely last season at latest and get his coaching badges staying at our great club. As for being retiring the number 16 behave people his not in same class as the greatest player we ever had and England’s finest Mooro! As also one of our other greatest bonzo who were definitely our best players and most loyal ever . Were it not for the biggest mistake ever treating mooro when leaving he would have been still our living legend never forgotten by the new supporters of our club and nobody would even be mentioned about retiring number on shirts ever again.
I think most people are respectful of Nobles overall contribution and standing at the club but have concerns about him continuing to play where his weaknesses are becoming more obvious. It does feel like we’re at a disadvantage whenever he’s named in the starting line up. The results and the way we’ve played in those games back this up.
Fortunately it’s only been something like 4 games where this has happened. Fingers crossed no injuries to Rice or Soucek during the international break.
Much sentimental claptrap here. Noble a decent player for some years; very good at penalties. Never had a full England cap. Why not? West Ham have always been a selling club. Do you think he would have stayed all these years if a big club had come in? He’s been Championship standard for some time and playing him is not helping his “legacy”. Moyes has been brilliant this season but Noble is his “blind spot”. If he sees something in his character or on the playing field, we don’t see it on the pitch.Whenever Noble starts we lose and this in a superb season. Rice a genuinely wonderful player put putting Noble on the same pedestal as Moore is ludicrous nonsense. Retire the no 41 shirt and take a number that reflects your ability and character, Declan.