Nobes gave us the leed from the spot
Mark Noble is fully expected to return to the squad for the match at Watford tomorrow (Sat) and will approach the game as he did when he made his first professional appearance 15 years ago to the day.
It’s anniversary day for the captain after making his senior debut for the Hammers in a League Cup first-round tie against Southend.
There can be no doubt that despite his knockers Nobes has been missed this season and could reclaim a spot in the side alongside Declan Rice as a possible replacement for out of touch Jack Wilshere.
And should he do so there’s no doubt he will bring 100 per cent to the table as he still goes on believing that he can be the best.
He makes it clear writing in his London Evening Standard column that he is desperate to go on as long as possible adding to the 485 he has made for the club so far.
In these days of have cash will travel mercenary football his is an astonishing record and worthy of admiration from all those who follow the club.
He says: “Does it seem 15 years ago? No, longer to be honest! If you had said to me when I was 14 years old that I could play just one game in the Premier League, I would have taken it like a shot.
“I’ve played 485 games, including a couple of loan spells early on, and I’m still hungry for many more.
Many top midfielders have been bought by the club during those years, yet my mentality has never changed. I’ve always thought, ‘If fit, I’m playing every week — there’s no way I am letting anyone else take this shirt’.
I’m 32 now but I still get nervous before every training session and that’s because I want to be the best player out there. I’ll have that attitude until my final game as a player and I suppose it’s a fear of failure which drives me.”
