Mark Noble: Canning Town born Hammers hero Mark Noble has filled the hole that Scott Parker left. Noble who has maintained his penalty king status up this season scoring all seven penalties the Irons have been awarded in the league this season. He has thrived in a lethargic West Ham midfield this season, and has clearly been the most dominate player in the heart of the midfield alongside skipper Nolan. His leadership qualities also showed when Nolan saw red in the game against Millwall, he took over the mantle and the Hammers shone in some difficult situations, including a superb 4-1 away win at Blackpool. Although not my Hammer of the year he will sure be up there in the voting process.- Robert Green: Former England number one has put is 2010 world cup nightmare behind and has been in superb form this season and some would argue without him between the stick the Hammers would not be laying where they are today 3rd in the league. The Hammers faithful feel relaxed in the knowledge that he is our last line of defence. Although his claiming in the box at time can be questionable his shot stopping is second to none. He is so clearly the best keeper in this league it is painful. With his contract running out at the end of the season fans are praying he signs on for another few years and continue to press home his hero status.
- Last but not least Abdoulaye Faye: Comfortably Big Sam’s best signing of the season, Faye has been a rock at the back this season. So much so that yesterday’s foul in the box on Noel Hunt was his first mistake all season. He heads every ball, blocks every ball. Puts his body on the line at every opportunity and with Faye joining on a free transfer it looks like fantastic business. Faye who took the place of former captain Matthew Upson in the heart of the defence puts the former skipper to shame with his effort and desire. Tomkins and Faye’s partnership at the back has flourished as the season goes on, with the perfect mix of speed and experience. Picking up the nickname the “beast” from the home faithful at the Boleyn, he is quickly becoming a fans favourite, and for me he is a shoo in for Hammer of the Year.
And a Special mention to James Tomkins, who I fully expect to win Young Hammer of the year.
Faye for sure.
Faye by a mile! Noble not even close to being our player of the year, without doubt in Jan and Feb he was brilliant, exceptional even, he was carrying the team almost on his own for 3/4 games. But up until that period, and then again since he’s been largely anonymous and offered very little other than being a clinical penalty taker.