David Moyes pays tribute to ‘huge’ Mark Noble as West Ham legend prepares for emotional farewell

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David Moyes has paid tribute to the role Mark Noble has played in leading his West Ham resurgence as the midfielder prepares to walk out at the London Stadium for the final time.

Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Manchester City will be Noble’s final home outing before he retires from the game at the end of the season, following a remarkable career with the Hammers.

Moyes arrived for his second spell in charge in December 2019, with the club in the midst of a relegation battle but has since led them up the table and into Europe.

The Scot hailed Noble’s part in kickstarting the transformation and his work behind the scenes as his playing time his dwindled towards the final years of his career.

“He’s terrific off the pitch and for me personally he’s been excellent since I’ve come back and even the on the first occasion he was very good,” Moyes said.

“He’s been huge. During the pandemic he played a big part in all the things going on, between the club captains and even when it was between our players and the owners and different things going on at the club.

“He helped me an awful lot when I came in because he gave me an idea of what was required, what was needed, steered me in the right direction on one or two things and he’s a really good sounding board. You need people behind you who you can go and speak to and he’ll certainly be missed in the dressing room next year.”

Noble will be honoured with a post-match presentation following Sunday’s game against City, which will be attended by a number of friends, family and former teammates.

Tributes are also planned ahead of kick-off, including several giant banners emblazoned with his name and shirt number, as well as a huge fan mosaic.

“I’m sure it’ll be hugely emotional for Mark and his family because when you say you’re retiring from football it’s a big thing to do,” Moyes added. “When you’re a footballer your career is never that long but I think you appreciate it when you start at 15 or 16 as an apprentice and you’re finishing now at 35.

“To do it at one club’s a huge achievement, it’s not done by many people nowadays. Great credit to him, the way he’s conducted himself throughout his career.”

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