Mark Noble - West Ham Legend 500 up

[Blow Bubbles]

That ovation he got, when he was going off today, was special.

I actually had a tear in my eye as we all stood and applauded him off. That was one of those moments that you just don’t understand unless you’re actually there. The reason why watching on the telly just isn’t the same, IMHO.

[Rasp]

Dreading the day this man hangs up his boots, he makes the whole side tick.

[Colours never run]

Interesting comment from Kevin Nolan on Soccer Saturday earlier when he said Noble doesn't practice penalties in training. Makes his record even more remarkable.

Nobles repeated the same thing about his own penalty taking before that.

[Colours never run]

That ovation he got, when he was going off today, was special.

What's happening now (not before long mind), is because he's 32, fans now realise he's getting towards the end of his career (I personally feel he has a good 3 years left in him) and want to now make the most of him whilst he's still playing. Also an element of realisation just how good he is for us when he doesn't play. That's all that is and lovely to see. He deserves it. I reckon it'll become more and more of a thing, the more he plays and taken off near the end of games once results are done.

[PlaistowIron]

That ovation said it all, he was superb today

[westham,eggyandchips]

He was superb today

Again. Long may it continue.

[Doc H Ball]

‘He’s proving you wrong
He’s proving you wroooonng
Marky Noble
His legs ain’t gone’

Good to hear a new song for him being started in the BML.

[EastVillageHammer]

That ovation said it all, he was superb today

Absolutely right. Pretty much the entire ground. He was excellent again today, anyone that doesn’t rate Noble’s ability and importance to the team should go and watch tennis instead.

[Ozza]

Another season where the bloke makes the doubters wrong....outstanding Nobes

[Westbourne Bill]

His ability to win back and keep the ball moving is just as clear when he's missing, as it is when he plays.

[wizzo_66]

Some of the touches yesterday, little movements to gain space. Looked like he is a man lifting his game again to those around him. He's absolutely cruising in that midfield spot. Makes the game look so easy - he's got plenty in the tank left if he can play the way he is at the moment. Not comparing them as players but he is gliding through games like David Silva at the moment.

Replacing him when he retires is going to be hard work. I truly believe he has elevated us as a club for 15 years when we have under invested all over the pitch. He just makes us tick, and steps up to whatever quality is around him. To get a midfielder who can do what he does with the ball, particularly on transition, is going to cost a small fortune.

[Denzil]

You could see what that ovation meant to him. He turned a couple of times to take it in. The non-choreographed roar getting louder and louder for him was amazing to be a part of. The hairs on my neck went.

Just watching him play, directing the team, telling the defence when to move, stick, follow their man. The little fouls he draws to slow the game down when we are 2-0 up. Very mature performance. Some say he’s the engine of the team, he’s more like the computer in it. There is no one in that side with the footballing brain he has. Hopefully Dec is learning as much as possible off of him.

[hammer1975]

Denzil

Yesterday was almost perfect opposition for Noble - and he was instrumental in us dominating them.

[Ozza]

Legend? Damn right

[irving boleyn]

When subbed, he usually runs off,professionally,

But he milked that applause yesterday. Or was he a bit miffed at being taken off while he was still running the game?

[Denzil]

He probably usually runs off because we’re losing, not 2-0 up haha

[Doc H Ball]

I think he was a bit surprised and touched by it.

So was I. It was probably my favourite footballing moment at the LS.

[ironilunga]

Noble & Rice seem to be a similar pairing to that of Henderson and Fabinho for Liverpool.

[SiamHammer]

Noble & Rice seem to be a similar pairing to that of Henderson and Fabinho for Liverpool.

but better

[Colours never run]

When subbed, he usually runs off,professionally,

But he milked that applause yesterday. Or was he a bit miffed at being taken off while he was still running the game?

Glad you raised this point. When I first noticed his number coming up on the board, I immediately looked over at Noble who turned and gave the impression he was initially disappointed with a slight sight but then found Ogbonna to give the armband too, before taking in his much deserved ovation. Think he milked it a little so Pellegrini could see just what the fans thought of him yesterday. And not that I think Pellegrini needs it - I think he appreciates him more than he allows Noble to realise - many times last season he'd take him off not cos he's having a bad game, but to preserve him for the season cos he plays so much and plays so hard all the time. So I do think there was a element of that as he walked off. The game was done and dusted by the time he was taken off with a few mins left so I reckon Pellegrini wanted him to feel the praise too, just as he did with taking Anderson off. Not everytime subs are made cod the player is injured/playing badly, sometimes it's offered as recognition just like yesterday. I'm sure Brooking would tell us all different though..