Pelle backing Noble to the hilt

Manager Manuel Pellegrini is delighted that Mark Noble has been handed an extension to his current contract because he accepts that his knowledge of all things Irons is required.

The decision to give Nobes the extension came as something of a bolt from the clue but football is not a charity business and that he and the club have decided to let him carry on at the club he loves tells us all we need to know.

Many have said many times that Mark could be near the end of the line, that he’s slowed down and all the rest of it – some of that may be true but the manager clearly believes he has a role both on the pitch and in the dressing room.

He will not be playing as much as he once did as the months tick by but there are many PL clubs who would jump at signing him were he to become available.

And the boss said during today’s presser: “I think his new contract is very positive for him and for the club. Mark has made a big career here and I think he deserves the chance to finish his career here too.