Team spirit is thriving at West Ham United and the reaction to Mark Noble’s contract extension is all the proof that’s needed.
West Ham took up a two-year option to sign captain Noble up until 2021 this week.
The homegrown Hammer was born a stone’s throw from the club’s beloved Upton Park.
And he has now played 14 consecutive seasons in the West Ham first team.
If the midfielder can stay in the team for the remainder of his contract that will stretch to 17 years, most of them at the top level, for one club.
Is one-club Noble the last of his kind?
It is a rarity which will unlikely be repeated.
Noble has already had a testimonial and is much-loved, if sometimes taken a little for granted by some supporters.
His influence off the pitch is vital as much as on it according to his managers and teammates past and present.
This term his return to the side under Manuel Pellegrini has coincided with West Ham’s best run of form for two years.
Savage Cresswell jibe shows team spirit alive and well at West Ham
And team spirit is thriving at the club if Aaron Cresswell’s reaction to Noble’s new deal is anything to go by.
Speaking to the club’s official website Cresswell couldn’t resist trolling his skipper before waxing lyrical about him.
“I’m hoping his hair is still there by the time his contract runs out!” Cresswell told whufc.com with a smile.
“But no, on a serious note it is fantastic news and not only for him but for everyone involved.
‘He’s Mister West Ham… he’s fantastic’
“He’s Mister West Ham and he’s been a fantastic servant to the Club and long may that continue.
“Nobes will be the first to admit he’s never had pace. But there is so much more to football than having a bit of pace. And certainly intelligence-wise, with the ball and his leadership, he’s got everything.
“There’s a good atmosphere at the training ground.”
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