West Ham captain Mark Noble was missing from David Moyes match day squad at Villa Park on Wednesday night.
There was no mention of the reason for his absence when the team was announced not after in the post match press conference.
In his virtual pre-match press conference the manager said his squad were suffering from a few knocks and niggles but nothing serious.
Darren Randolph remains out after suffering from a knock in training while Arthur Masuaku continues to recover from knee surgery.
Whether Noble picked up a knock or was dropped for tactical reasons remains to be seen.
Jesse Lingard made his debut on Wednesday which meant Pablo Fornals was dropped to bench, it might have meant the gaffer felt he had enough cover in that position. Equally the gaffer could have felt his 33-year-old skipper needed a complete rest
Last week Mark Noble said he is determined to enjoy every minute he spends on the pitch as his West Ham career moves to a new stage. After 13 seasons as a regular starter, Noble has taken on a different role this season, appearing mainly as a substitute in the Premier League, but continuing to lead and influence the squad both in the dressing room, on the training pitch and on matchdays.
“I’ve done this for so many years now and haven’t really got that long left, so I’ve got to enjoy every minute I can” Nobes told WHUFC.com
Absolutely love Nobes anyone who doesn’t isn’t a true fan. He’s always been a loyal servant since 2000 to the club you don’t see that at all these days 21 years since being a youth team player and been available for a good majority of those games, everyone knows his days are numbered with regards to first team football I think in a small way he even knows himself. But he is and remains such an important member of the squad even if it’s guiding youngsters and helping boost confidence, I think a lot of people who have been nasty or dismissive of him will be sad when he eventually hangs up his boots after next season, wether he can’t defend or attack nowdays he certainly made the difference in the past in the championship when he gave his all, you could say without him leading the team we might even be in league 1 now people have such short memories. Plastic fans we’ll never have another Mark Noble make the most of him before he’s gone for good. Excited about the new chapter of our club is entering with Rice as captain.
I agree with Peter, of course MN has been a great servant for the club and a strong role model for younger players. However, he is like an ageing boxer who takes on one fight too many. He would know he is not up to Premier League standard any longer and should put the squad and club first by retiring from playing. He should only be offered a coaching position if he genuinely has something to offer. Frank Lampard is just the latest in a long line of appointments that failed because sentiment kicked in.
Personally, from my point of view, very little explanation is required and it doesn’t even reach conspiracy levels……..BUT, a little bit of respect is required when talking about a West Ham legend.
It’s ok talking about legends of the past in glowing terms, but would they have been treated like legends today? Or would they be treated like yesterday’s rubbish at the end of their careers?
Let’s hope that the club is currently working on a plan to incorporate Nobes into the coaching setup. Knowledge, Experience & Passion that we need to keep at this club ⚒️⚒️ ⚒️
This is clearly Marks last playing season – but plenty of games left. He really shouldn’t be ahead of other midfield subs now by necessity, just by favour of DM. Unfortunately his wholehearted tackling is sometimes counter-productive if mistimed as he slows a tad. Still great to have around though!
Totally agree Peter. Well said.
The knock Noble Brigade, if we lost a match, and he was not playing or on the bench, it would be Mark’s fault from the Minority! He has served Our Club well! over the years, is a role model to younger players, one of the last few remaining local born players, he sums up what The Academy used to be about!
Mark knows that his playing days are coming to an end! but he still has an important part to play, and no better example to younger players we may bring through1
Hear hear
Time for Noble to move aside . I was very pleased to see that he was not in the squad . He is totally surperfluous to requirements . He has nothing to give as a substitute because he can no longer defend or attack and wandering around in the centre circle does not help the cause. As for leadership Rice is doing a tremendous job and leads by example . His “questions” to refs are conducted in a calm authoratative way and he does not fly into late tackles and give away petty freekicks . Lets look forward , not backwards , and give Noble a friendly wave goodbye before he damages further his standing with his fan club by ongoing deteriorating performances .