Realistic Mark Noble is well aware that time is now running out on his playing days and is determined to enjoy every last minute of what’s left.
The skipper was involved in the FA Cup tie against Doncaster Rovers but so far this term has only appeared in nine Premier League games this season – one or two very fleetingly.
Now with Declan and Tomas Soucek un-droppable and the the captain facing a 34th birthday in May, the end of his playing days, so sadly, is fast approaching.
Like many before him reality is starting to bite for a man who has given his life to West Ham United.
He was again leading the team however as they made their way into what turned out to be a fifth round tie against Manchester United and was delighted to be part of a match which has landed such a glamour tie.
One has to feel that should the Irons make it all the way to the Final no player on the staff will have deserved what we all hope would be a winning appearance more.
Speaking to West Ham TV – and initially talking about the match against Doncaster – he said: ” I loved it out there! You’ve got to think, 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.
“It’s great to see the boys and the team doing so well and being around it and being involved in the games and obviously playing against Doncaster and Stockport, I’ve just got to enjoy it.
“If you look at it, there is only a certain amount of games I’m going to be involved with left at West Ham. I’m 34 in May and we’ll see what happens next year, but I really enjoyed it on Saturday night.”
The skipper was happy with the way his teammates, both young and old, handled the tie and now has a trip to Old Trafford to look forward to.
“It was an all-round good night. We had a couple of the young boys come on – Nathan made his debut, young Jamal and Dapo scored on his debut – so it was a good night.”
Saturday’s win made it five in a row in all competitions for the first time since August 2012, and the No16 believes the squad is in good shape to continue that run at Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Tuesday evening.
He said: “Palace away is a tough place to go, but we’re in good shape, the boys are confident and we’ve had some great results in the last couple of months.
“Saturday night showed we have players who are not in the first team who can play well and that kept our momentum going and pushing the others for a first team place.
“We’re looking forward to Tuesday night, so let’s go there and win.”
Big smile. There’s always TV Mark. Remember ‘It’s good to get away from the family on Boxing Day’. Give it all you’ve got, young man. We’ll miss you when you do decide to go. Make sure you’ve an FA Cup winner’s medal before hanging them up.
COYI
Good man, Mark Noble, West Ham through and through.
Let’s hope that he can continue to be involved with the club when he finally hangs up his boots.
A Cockney, a gent, and a very fine player.
Noble should be allowed to leave on his own terms. Cavani is 35 and ManU’s best striker. I suspect Mark Noble will retire at the end of season, but if not, let him make cameo appearances till he is ready.