A Supporter's Farewell
Mr West Ham United – Mark Noble
How do you say thank you and goodbye to a player that has given so much to one club - our club - for so many years?
Mark Noble has spent almost all of his youth and first team football career at West Ham United, aside from loan spells in 2006.
Mark was the youngest player to appear in the reserve team at 15 and was 17 years old when he made his senior team debut.
The beginning ⚒ pic.twitter.com/kvNstV5sxv
— MARK NOBLE (@Noble16Mark) March 11, 2021
Mark has been a constant in the senior team since 2004 with 18 years as a senior professional: a record we are proud of. As of 2021, he is the longest serving player at a single club in any of Europe’s major leagues. Mark has made 548 appearances over those years and he’s achieved so much:
Appearing in England’s U16s, U17s, U18s, U19s and U21s
Captain of England’s U21 side
Twice voted Hammer of the Year
Hammer of the Decade for the 2010s
In 2020 he was rated as the player with the second highest conversion rate for penalty kicks in the world over the last 20 years. His conversion rate of 90.5% is only bettered by Robert Lewandowski with 91.5%.
But as good as statistics, facts and figures are, it’s the memories you have given so many West Ham United supporters over the years that will last. Memories that will be talked about again and again. Memories that will be shared between generations.
Memories like the 2012 Championship play-off final. We remember the atmosphere and the noise when Vaz Te scored that goal and the celebration of successful promotion. You, Mark, were there to celebrate with us.
On the 10th May 2016 - the last game at The Boleyn Ground – you led our team out, you led us to victory, you led the celebrations as we said goodbye to our home and Bobby Moore turned out the lights forever on our home.
Apart from those memories there are so many other reasons to thank you such as the players you have helped settle into West Ham United.
You have done so much work in the West Ham community both through the Players Project and direct donations you have made over the years.
Above all it is the professionalism, the example you provide, the pride you have given us over the 18 years of senior performances at West Ham United. This is what what Mr West Ham United - you - will be remembered for.
We look forward to you continuing in a different role at our club at which you have played a part for so long.
So thank you Mark. It’s not goodbye but see you soon as you start your new chapter at our club helping to build for the future.
Come On You Irons!