The mutual respect between two successful, experienced footballing men is immediately apparent when David Moyes speaks of Mark Noble.
West Ham United's inspirational manager has worked closely with West Ham United’s inspirational Club captain since returning to London Stadium in December 2019, just as he did during his first spell in charge in 2018.
Moyes appreciates the vast value of not only Noble’s experience and knowledge of the Club that he has represented more than 500 times over the past 18 seasons, but also his ability as a player and evident strengths as a leader.
With Noble having now featured in his final home game of a widely-celebrated Claret & Blue career, Moyes has looked back with pride on the achievements of his captain, as well as with appreciation of the close relationship enjoyed by manager and captain in their successful bids to elevate the Irons’ footballing standing.
Do you remember the first time you encountered Mark Noble?
"I remember my team playing against him in the early days when I was manager at Everton.
"The first time I think I really had a conversation with him was when I was standing in the tunnel when I was the manager of Sunderland. West Ham went up to play – I don’t think Nobes was playing – and we were standing in the tunnel and we stood and talked for a few minutes prior to game.
"I think that was probably the first time I can remember – he might remember something different than that – but he always came across to me as a good football guy, somebody who is level-headed and stable, so I think that was the first time."
As the opposition manager back then, what did you make of him as a player?
"He was a competitive, all-round, all-action midfield player. To get into the team at West Ham very young, that's a remarkable achievement in itself, because there were a lot of good players around at that time.
"He came up and got brought up around a lot of really good West Ham players, people who would influence him and people who would guide him. And that's what I see in him: I see the east End of London in him, and I’ve seen that he’s had great players around him who’ve influenced him.
"I also see bits of him which understand when things aren’t so good, or things aren't the right way to go – so he's probably had a bit of both.
"But the biggest thing about him is that he’s been clever. He’s had a really good career, and I'm sure he'll continue to have a very good career [after retiring from playing]."
Mark had been Club captain for just over two years when you first joined West Ham in November 2017. What were your impressions of him when you first walked through these doors?
"Well, right away, I asked him a lot about what he thought the Club needed. In the main, it was all to do with the team and what we needed to do.
"But the most important thing for me was that he would help me with the football side of things, and give me an idea of how the players had been doing, how it’d been going, who'd been doing well or not. He was probably the first person I went to when I when I came in here.
"He was very important, because supporters looked at Mark as their go-to.
"He’s West Ham through and through, loyal as they come, played all his games here at the Club, understood any difficulties, understood what supporters could have had grievances about - but he also was a valued member of the playing staff in the Football Club.
"I think he was a really good, balanced individual for the Club."
Did Mark play a similar role for you when you returned for your second spell?
"Even more so, because I actually felt that he was obviously getting a bit closer to the end of his playing days. He probably knew that as well, but he still was playing well.
"We got to the stage where we probably needed another midfield player. Mark was aware of that, and that's when we brought in Tomáš Souček, but the biggest compliment I could give Nobes was that he never showed any disappointment in any way.
"He’s always helped me, whether he was starting, whether he was a substitute, whatever the case may be. He was always the same, and I think that says a lot, and that's why he was always the Club captain here.
"Behind the scenes, he does remarkable work. He’s a great go-between with me and the players. During lockdown [in 2020], we had a lot of times we had to talk about things, and Mark was on calls with the [other Premier League] captains and he was speaking up for players and speaking up for our Club, so he’s had a to play a huge part in the last few years."
During that lockdown, Mark really had to show different strings to his bow…
"Well, I think all the captains really had to take responsibility. That's why he’s a good captain.
"That's why we keep mentioning to Declan Rice that he should look at Mark Noble and follow how he's doing and pick up things, because you need to take responsibility, you have to show leadership.
"Mark Noble showed great leadership to our players and to our Club. He was constantly on Zoom calls. We were speaking quite a lot as well during that time, and he handled himself very well."
As his manager, what would you say Mark’s abilities are as a player?
"Mark’s a really good footballer. He's got a great understanding of awareness, space, and what's around him. In recent weeks, he’s had small cameos where he's played really well for us. He understands what we need.
"People keep telling me that there's only [Robert] Lewandowski who’s got a better penalty kick record than Nobes! He doesn't practise them, but he's up there.
"He's a good finisher, he connects right with the ball, and he does a lot of good things. He does a lot of things correctly, which sounds like an easy thing to say, but I think most importantly, you can go into any game and you feel confident that he will do well."
Do you see the admiration in the players when they talk about Mark Noble?
"Well, he's in there every morning, holding court at breakfast, getting all the players in – and the best thing for a manager is when you hear their laughter and loads of bantering. We are quite happy to come out and join in as well!
"Mark’s in the middle of it. He’s always trying to get them going, but deep down the lads are always trying to get Nobes and catch him out!
"He’s great for the dressing room. He'll be incredibly missed because of what he brings – that leadership and that bit of glue and communication, which is really important.
"Mark knows everybody and they all like him – the tea ladies, all the chefs, you name it. He even takes a big part of how the Academy does, with the young boys there.
"He’s down there, he’s watched the U18s, and he’s gone about telling them: 'You’ll not play for West Ham if you're not doing the right things.' Mark’s a really good role model for them. Quite often, you'll find him at the Academy.
"He gives me a good insight into what the players are thinking as well, and I certainly use him as a sounding board at times."
In your opinion, why do the fans refer to Mark as Mr. West Ham?
"Because of his loyalty.
"He's had good times, but he's had difficult times too. I think when he came on against Sevilla, for example, he was really emotional because of the level of the game and where the Club’s at now.
"The job we have is to drive it on – he has to be part of it, and he will be in the future, I’ve got no doubt about that. But I was pleased because we’ve not brought him on just to say: 'Here you are Mark, come and get another bit, this is your final season' – far from it.
"I’ve brought him on because I think he can help me, and make a difference."
What was your reaction when you found out this was Mark’s final season?
"I think Mark could easily go and play at many other places if he chose to, but I think he’s shown his loyalty to West Ham, saying: 'No, I’ve been here, and I don't want to do it anywhere else.' So I was pleased, in a way.
"I think Nobes is doing everything correct at the moment, and told everybody what's happening. He's had another year where he's helped us. We’ll all look forward to seeing what he does next."
How would you sum up Mark Noble’s West Ham United legacy?
"I just see loyalty, I see commitment, and I see someone who's got an incredible character.
"If you're a West Ham supporter, you should be incredibly proud of what Mark Noble has done throughout his career for the Club.
"Mark’s always conducted himself incredibly well. I can only tell you that, in the time I've had with him, he's been a great ambassador for the Club. He speaks incredibly highly about West Ham and has sorted out so many small bits when it’s been needed.
"Mark Noble has been a been a great servant to the Club, had a really good career, and, when he goes, he’ll be missed, but we should be thankful for what we’ve had from him."
