The Mark Noble decision – I know where I stand!

By CandH’s top blogger Allen Cummings

Mark Noble might not have been getting much game time in recent weeks  but his name has certainly occupied a great deal of ‘air-time’, particularly on social media  as the speculation over his future was finally resolved.

In his personal letter to the fans Nobes announced the 2021-2022 season will be his last in a playing capacity for his beloved West Ham. At the same time the club released a statement thanking Noble for his remarkable loyalty and service and confirming the signing of a one year extension to his contract to bring his career to a close.

Cue those eager to acknowledge and praise Noble for his time and effort in claret and blue – as well as those unhappy that he had been given that extra 12 months.

Occupying a place they believe would be better served being given to one of our younger up-and-coming players, in order to gain valuable first team experience.

It’s ironic perhaps that Noble, seen by team mates past and present, as an inspiring and ‘unifying’ figure on the pitch and in the dressing room – actually ‘divides’ the fan base, and has done for several seasons now.

Former player Joe Cole is firmly in the ‘pro’ corner, and points to Mark as having played a significant role in the development of skipper elect Declan Rice.

“Credit has to go to Mark Noble, who I know looks after him (Declan) and acts as a mentor,” says Cole. “If you’ve got a senior pro within the team, that can take your game up by 10 to 15 per cent.”

Some fans though point to Noble’s lack of ability to get up and down the pitch as his legs age – not that he was ever the quickest anyway – but when you have a ‘football brain’ you can cope with that.

Didn’t people say something similar about a certain Bobby Moore? Nobes has also frequently been accused of slowing down the play – going sideways and backwards too often.

If we believe David Moyes has a growing influence on matters at the club, there is no way he would have sanctioned an extra year for Noble if he didn’t feel he would be a useful ingredient in his rebuilding plans.

“I still firmly believe I have a lot to offer on the pitch,” said Noble. “I would not have signed a new contract if I didn’t feel I could do myself justice or bring value to the team.”

Moyes knows better than any armchair managers what Mark has to give. Football can be an unforgiving place. There is very little room for sentiment in today’s modern game. That’s why I believe Nobes’ extension is more about football strategy than sentiment.

Of course Mark would like to say farewell in front of a full house – he said so himself! Likewise I believe the club owe him that opportunity – I can imagine the fury directed towards the board if they had denied him that wish.

But first and foremost Moyes knows that having Mark Noble in the dressing room – and occasionally on the pitch – will be of the utmost benefit.

Some felt Noble may have burnt his bridges with the club when he spoke up about the Grady Diangana transfer. It’s good to see that’s not the case.

He was admired for speaking his mind then – likewise he was praised by most when dealing with that unwelcome pitch invader in  the infamous Burnley game.

Mark Noble has done much to admire and respect during his many years of unstinting service to the Hammers.

Giving him an extra 12 months to continue contributing in the way he believes he can, to the club he loves so much, is exactly the right thing to do,.