Noble…never was a player better named!

He’s one of breed that is all but extinct – Mark Noble is the heart and soul of football – a guy who allows us to remember when the game meant community rather than corporate.

That so many of our former greats have gathered to honour him this afternoon at the Boleyn tells us all we need to know about this great young man.

The love of his club means everything to him – the money from today’s testy is immaterial and will go to local charity. For Mark Noble, pride passion, glory and West Ham United comes way before any financial reward the day may bring.

We hear so much about some footballers being poor role models and of misbehaviour both on and off the pitch. Mark Noble has, and always will, defy the stereotype beloved of headline writers.

He’s a great pro and a cracking bloke who rises to every new challenge and is in a tradition of truly great West Ham captains.

Earlier this season he was being discussed as the most likely person to make way for Alex Song. Instead Nobes has forged an incredible partnership with Dimi Payet and is playing the best football of his life .

That’s what great players do – they defy the critics to reach new heights and make you feel supremely happy that you were around to see them in their pomp.

I hope today is the greatest of his life…I hope it’s one the fans will forever remember because I tell you this …WE ARE UNLIKELY TO EVER SEE HIS KIND AGAIN.

Thank you Mark for everything – have a fantastic day! Never did a player carry a more appropriate surname!