Mark Noble was officially announced as the new Club captain today, a title he fully deserves.
Speculation surrounding a new captain occurred as early as Bilic’s appointment as West Ham manager. Although Kevin Nolan was still at the club, his days as a Hammers player were numbered and his recent departure confirms that.
Now, Mark Noble has been given the captain’s armband and it’s fair to suggest that he is the natural choice to replace Nolan. The 28-year-old has always had an authoritative presence on the pitch, maintaining a heart-on-the-sleeve attitude due to his lifelong connection with the club.
Great news for all WHU fans. Mister West Ham, Mark Noble has been officially made captain. Congratulations Mark. dg pic.twitter.com/gYCPPrJ4A4
— David Gold (@davidgold) September 14, 2015
Understandably, the Canning Town boy was more than chuffed with his latest accolade: “When you are at a massive Barclays Premier League club like West Ham United playing in the best league in the world, to be captain and be brought up in the same area is something very special for me, for my family and the fans because they can relate to it,” he told whufc.com.
He went on to praise the effect Kevin Nolan had as captain and described his new role as the ‘buffer’ between the players and the manager. There is no doubt that Mark Noble will be a good captain for West Ham both this season and in the future.
What is even more encouraging is how well he has played in a team that has gone through a lot of changes during the summer. Without fail, Noble always gives 100% and is a commanding presence in the middle of the pitch. He puts in tackles, chases down the opposition and also contributes in an attacking sense; his goal against Liverpool was excellently taken. The decision to appoint Noble is not only good for the player himself but also, as Noble mentioned, for the fans as well.
Loyalty in football is hard to come by these days but our man has stuck by the club through thick and thin.
Mr West Ham has been officially appointed as the Club’s new captain, richly deserved #COYI pic.twitter.com/VWIkJc1OXK
— WHUFC (@Forever_WestHam) September 14, 2015
He may not be the most technically gifted player we have but he typifies the West Ham spirit and this is something that money cannot buy. Giving Nobes the armband shows that the club recognise his efforts and it sends out the right message to the squad.
Let’s hope he gets the victory tonight to celebrate his first official match as Club captain.
