The Big Interview - Mark Noble

Hammer of the Year Mark Noble says West Ham United can be proud of rising to the challenge during a difficult 2013/14 season.

The ever-present No16 collected his second Hammer of the Year award - as well as his first Players' Player of the Year - at the Grosvenor House in London's Park Lane on Tuesday evening.

The popular midfielder was clearly moved to receive the acclaim of team-mates and supporters alike, telling West Ham TV of his happiness and stating his intention to lead the team to bigger and better things next season.

Mark, it's been a tough season but you have ended it by being voted Hammer of the Year - a proud moment for you and all the lads...

"Yes, it's been a tough season, but the problems we have had with the injuries we've had and the bad luck we've had in games mean we've not quite got what we deserved. I said how important it was to get the squad back together and now we're 12th in the Premier League."

You have started all 37 Barclays Premier League matches, scored three goals and assisted four more, so you have plenty to be proud of on an individual level?

"I've thoroughly enjoyed it. It's going to be nice now to go up to Manchester City for the last game, give a good account of ourselves and then go on holiday and have some fun and relax and spend some time with my family. It's been a tough season and one that ultimately we've done well to get out of the position we were in at Christmas, and that's credit to the lads."

You have been so consistent this season. What do you put that down to?

"I put my own season down to hard work and belief and wanting to improve all the time. I just love coming into work and I think it shows out on the pitch."

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Mark Noble with guests at the Player Awards

Your family were at the game against Tottenham on Saturday and their support clearly means a lot to you?

"It was amazing against Spurs on Saturday because my wife turned up late and Lenny was supposed to come out on the pitch [before kick-off]. I took Ginge's little boy out because he wasn't starting the game and, as we did the handshakes, I saw Lenny run out of the tunnel and clap the crowd! He is only three, so it was a proud moment and it was nice to see.

"Lenny and my little girl both walked round the pitch with me after the game which was great and to top it off with a 2-0 victory over Spurs was a nice way to end the season at home."

You must feel like you have 35,000 family members inside the Boleyn Ground at every home game! Plus, to win Players' Player of the Year too was special, wasn't it?

"Yeah, it was special to hear the lads talking about me like that [the way they did in a video message played at the Player Awards]. I obviously don't expect anything like that or any of these awards. I go into work every day and enjoy training and love playing football.

"When you have got a group of boys like we have got, it makes life a lot easier."

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The Scandinavian Hammers' Player of the Year

You spoke very highly of the manager Sam Allardyce in your acceptance speech. You have worked with him for three seasons now and they have been very productive seasons, so why has he got the best out of you?

"In my own view, I support the Gaffer because I have played every single game under Sam since he has come and I've won two Hammer of the Year awards a lot of other accolades like Swedish and Scandinavian Hammer of the Year and Legends Lounge Player of the Year because I'm enjoying my football.

"I've always said to anyone who has asked me about the Gaffer that he has never asked me to boot it. I always try to get on the ball and make us play as much as possible and that's what has been happening."

Talking of players who like to get on the ball, Sir Trevor Brooking was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award - a deserved accolade?

"Yes, it was nice to have Sir Trevor at the Player Awards, as it was to have Billy Bonds there last year. The fans love the players they looked up to years ago winning awards and it keeps the West Ham family together and that's what you need at Clubs to keep the history going."