Noble thrilled at Rice news

Mark Noble could not be more delighted that Declan Rice has agreed a new long term deal with the club.

The captain – a loyalist Hammer throughout his career has – like everybody else – been waiting to hear the news that Declan was going to pledge himself to the club for the next few years.

And in an interview with www.whufc.com it becomes clear, reading between the lines, that the sort of relationships Declan has formed with the skipper and others ensured his future would be at the London Stadium.

Many close to the former under 23 skipper had told CandH  at various times that the 19 year old was never going anywhere else.

And even tonight we were told by a senior insider by telephone that there had been no inquiries from any other club about his availability.

Noble, meanwhile is delighted that the hottest young Hammer in years is on board for another six years saying: “It is fantastic news for both Declan and for the Football Club. I have spoken to him regularly about his situation and Declan is on a massive high now.

He’s come into the team, he’s playing fantastically well and now he has signed a new long-term contract, which he thoroughly deserves.

“I’ve said to him that I’m always here for him because times aren’t always good and aren’t always smooth playing in the Premier League at a high level, so I’ve told him to keep learning, keep improving and keep enjoying it.

“For him, I think the sky is the limit and I’ve always said that. He’s a top player and every day that I can help him along in his journey is something to be proud of.”

And Rice added: “We were speaking the other day and when I told him I was signing, he actually said ‘You’ve got 400 games to go to catch up with me!’.

“Nobes has been unbelievable with me since I’ve first come in with the first team and trained with them part-time at 16, he’s always been there to talk to and to help. When I got moved to the first team full-time, the way he has mentored me has gone to another level.

“To play with him on the pitch, you can tell why he’s been playing at the top in the Premier League for all his career. He was here the last time I signed a contract and I’ve just spoken to him now and it’s great to be staying here now with him and with this Club.”