When a footballer says: “It’s not about money” a sceptical collective sigh usually goes passes through the listeners.
When Mark Noble used the same words this morning after signing a new five and half year deal not only did you believe it emotionally but it was impossible to disbelieve him factually.
For Mark, despite his years of loyal service, is some way down the pecking order in the Hammers wage League headed by Andy Carroll on an eye-watering £80k a week.
He is followed by the likes of Alex Song on around £70k, Stewart Downing (£57k) and Kevin Nolan £50k plus.
Nobes, you see, is a throwback – a man who will end his days, or at least the best of them, -a Hammer and in the 21st century when it’s usually about money and nothing but money we cherish him.
Many tributes have been paid to the man today but Sam Allardyce put it as well – if not better than anybody – when he said: “He is West Ham born and bred. Somebody who commits to one club like he’s done is pretty rare these days.”
In signing a new long term deal Nobes has shown that he’s not one to sit trying to screw the last few bob out of the club.
West Ham is his world and he’s just thrilled the club are ready to do the right thing by him in days when for most it’s all about the dough.
Mark Noble is a breath of fresh air – we value and respect him!
Yeah, he is West Ham through and through and I for one are very pleased with this fantastic news! COYI!
I didn’t see Mark doing a Deffo when we were in trouble and he was in the U21 at the time, I’ve never seen him give anything less than 100%, his penalty taking is second only to Ray Stewart, this boy ‘hurts’ when we lose and a perfect example to the younger members of the squad, he is the one player whom I wouldn’t care if he was bench warming in his last 2 years of his career, I think we owe him that
A diamond,chuffed he signed a new deal should be more pros like him he bleeds Claret n Blue.Like its been said never short of 100%.In my book should be Captain. C.O.Y.I.
Loyal,Loyalty,We need more and to do that we need to bring the youngsters on,
Which means giving them playing time.