Former West Ham United stars Dean Ashton and Jack Collison have reacted in glowing terms to the big announcement from Mark Noble.
Rob Green sends stark warning to West Ham owners
The West Ham captain announced yesterday that next season will be his last after signing a final one-year deal with his beloved club (whufc.com).
Noble has been a peripheral figure on the pitch during what is shaping up to be West Ham’s best season for 35 years.
West Ham legend Mark Noble announces next season will be his last
But David Moyes has made it clear the 33-year-old’s leadership off the pitch has been key to their success.
The new one-year deal will ensure Noble gets the send off he deserves, in front of West Ham’s fans.
Next season will be Noble’s 18th and last in the West Ham first team.
He has played alongside some brilliant players during that time. And the tributes will be coming thick and fast over the next year.
But former Hammers favourites Dean Ashton and Jack Collison have wasted little time delivering theirs.
The pair reacted in glowing terms to Noble’s announcement.
Ashton and Collison pay glowing tributes to former teammate
“No fuss. No ego. Just a genuine lad who has always loved his club and played in a manner that every West Ham player strives to achieve!!” Ashton said on Twitter.
“Top lad. Top player.”
Collison simply said: “Mr West Ham. What a man. COYI,” alongside a heart emoji.
West Ham’s owners David Sullivan and David Gold have also paid tribute to their ‘inspirational’ captain.
Speaking in a joint statement on the club’s official website, Sullivan and Gold said Noble ‘epitomises absolutely everything that West Ham United stands for’.
Owners pay tribute but receive warning
“We are both thrilled that Mark has signed a new contract and will play on for one final season for the club he loves,” Sullivan and Gold said (whufc.com).
“He deserves to spend his final year in a Claret and Blue shirt playing in front of the fans who have been there throughout his career.”
Among the tributes, though, there has also been warnings from Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher and former Hammer Rob Green.
The pair watched West Ham’s 2-0 win over Leeds United on Monday.
And both issued warnings to Sullivan and Gold that West Ham do not have enough strength in depth in key positions, including central midfield. Read the full story below.
Jamie Carragher delivers damning Mark Noble assessment, wake-up call to owners
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