It was left to the magnificent Mark Noble to put the record straight on our last day when he refused to be negative and instead paid handsome tributes to the squad and fans.
David Moyes has his own reasons for speaking as he did after the game but Mark decided he was no way going down the same path.
Enough has been said about the manager’s post match quotes but it was refreshing after the bout of negativity to listen to MN16 following his last day as a West Ham player speaking in such positive terms about what had been achieved and his time at the club.
His main thoughts however were directed at us the fans as he thanked us for 18 years of support and saying all the things he and we wanted to hear.
Thank goodness for MN16 – his comments were the perfect counter balance to everything that had come out earlier – words with which we will all agree rather than causing split opinions.
Here’s what he had to say to www.whufc.com: ““It’s my last day, so I’m not going to be negative at all. What a fantastic season. What a fantastic two seasons. To qualify for Europe twice in a row, with what we’ve done already this year in Europe, is a great achievement.
So, for me, today the result was a little disappointing, but overall it’s a fantastic ending for me because these last 12 months have been incredible. As we saw last week, I can only thank the fans as, when I walked out with my children, there wasn’t an empty seat in the stadium, which I’m incredibly thankful for.
Ending my career here at Brighton by coming on, and even warming up before the game, the reception they gave me was top class.
I will always remember them for that, and I will have a soft spot for Brighton & Hove Albion because they showed a real touch of class today.
This Club will be here for a lot longer than we all are, so to leave with my name associated with this Club is pretty special for my family.
It was an incredibly tough decision to make a year ago, but to call it a day on my terms and on a season like this is incredible.
Hopefully I’ll come to watch the games sooner rather than later, but I want to say a last thank you to the fans for the last 18 years because we’ve done it together.”
So pleased for Mark and well done Brighton for a classy tribute. Great season for Mark in his cameo roles, lovely memories for him and us. I really applaud his decision to end, made in advance, so that he can mentally acclimatise and adjust. I don’t want to see a great player and club man wither before our eyes as he goes on too long. Great memories are there, dignity and respect for Mr West Ham.