"He's only 17, he's better than Roy Keane!" I can still remember the chants from the Bobby Moore Stand when Mark Noble first came into the West Ham side during a 2-2 draw with Leicester in 2005 (He'd made his debut in a League Cup tie at home to Southend). It's a good decision from Noble to finish at the end of next season and say goodbye to the fans when they are hopefully back in the stadiums. Although he's unlikely to displace Rice or Soucek, Mark will still be an influence as a sub and around the squad.
Lots of memories of his career, though games that stand out include a fine volleyed goal against Bolton during the Great Escape of 2007, a real captain's performance in a 2-0 win at Cardiff under Big Sam, a long-range goal at Leicester that secured survival under Moyes the first time and, of course, Mark acting as a substitute steward during the pitch invasions against Burnley. Even last season he was playing a vital role in the 4-0 win at Norwich.
Noble's managed to win a place under Alan Pardew, Alan Curbishley, Gianfranco Zola, Avram Grant, Sam Allardyce, Slaven Bilic, Manuel Pellegrini and David Moyes, which reveals a lot about the man. A great West Ham servant and perhaps we might even win a trophy for him next season.
