Mark Noble
Encyclopedia
Mark James Noble is an English
footballer who plays for West Ham United
. He has played all his youth and first team football for West Ham and made 20 appearances, scoring 3 goals, for the England under-21 team
which he captained.
Despite his relatively young age, Noble is the longest serving player in the Hammers' current squad, having been in the first team since 2004.
youth academy as a schoolboy after a short spell at Arsenal
and became the youngest player ever to appear in the reserve team, aged 15. He became a trainee in July 2003 and made his debut in the senior team at the age of just 17 in the League Cup
in August 2004 in a 2–0 win against Southend
. He made his league debut in the Championship in January 2005, in a 4–2 defeat away at Wolves
.
Former Manager Alan Pardew
had described Noble as possibly the best prospect at the club. He won the Young Hammer of the Year and the runner-up to the Hammer of the Year awards despite making his debut only four months previously. Upon West Ham's return to the Premiership, he featured in games against Tottenham
and Manchester United
among others but found regular playing time harder to come by.
where he made five appearances but was sent back after suffering an injury to his lower back.
Noble signed a three month loan with Ipswich Town
in August 2006 in the hope of gaining necessary first team experience. Whilst there he played 13 games in the Championship, and scored his first professional goal on 12 September in a 2–1 home win over Coventry City
.
in January 2007 in the 3rd round of the FA Cup
in which he was also awarded the Man of the Match
award.
On 4 March, he scored his first Premiership goal against Tottenham Hotspur
at Upton Park
in a game West Ham eventually lost 4–3 in the final seconds, prompting tears from the young player. On 17 March 2007, he started the premier league game with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park
and was substituted at half-time for Hayden Mullins
in the 2-1 victory for the Hammers.
In May 2007, Noble won two Knees Up Mother Brown awards for the 2006–07 season voted by the fanzine website users. Noble was their overwhelming choice for Young Player of the Year. He also won this award in the 2004–05 season. Noble won this with 99% of the votes. He also took the Goal of the Season award for his thunderous volley in the 3–1 win against Bolton in April 2007.
Noble established his place in Alan Curbishley
's side during the 2007/08 season, starting nearly all games when fit. He was out for several weeks in November when it was discovered that he had played through an injury for the last several months without letting the medical staff know. In January, Noble scored the only goal in a 1–0 victory over Liverpool from the penalty spot, after Reds defender Jamie Carragher
had brought down Fredrik Ljungberg
in the last few seconds of 2nd half stoppage time.
The 2008–09 season did not start well for Noble as he was sent off for two bookable offences in a 3–0 loss away at Manchester City
, the first away game of the season. After serving his suspension he came back to score an equaliser against West Bromwich after West Ham went a goal down but unfortunately West Brom still managed a 3–2 win. After Curbishley left in September, he remained first choice under new coach Gianfranco Zola
. He celebrated his 100th appearance for the Hammers by scoring against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park
, on 21 March 2009 to secure a 1–1 draw. In April, he signed a contract extension tying him to the club until 2013.
Noble began the 2009–10 season well, scoring West Ham's first goal of the new season. In the first game of the season on 15 August, he scored the opening goal, a 16-yard strike, in a 2–0 win over Premier League newcomers Wolverhampton Wanderers. He is currently the first-choice free kick taker for penalties and corners. Under Zola, Noble made the central midfield slot his own in a midfield diamond that included Scott Parker
as his partner and Jack Collison
and Valon Behrami
on the wings. On 12 December away at Birmingham City
, he made his 100th league appearance for the Hammers after missing several matches through injury and illness but his return was marred by his late sending-off for two bookable offences. On 23 February 2010, he started and played the full 90 minutes against Manchester United at Old Trafford
in a 3-0 defeat. On 14 August 2010, he started and played the full 90 minutes against Aston Villa at Villa Park
in a 3-0 loss in their opening Barclays Premier League fixture of 2010-11. On 28 August 2010, Noble started and played the full 90 minutes in an attacking midfield role against Manchester United at Old Trafford
in the 3-0 Barclays Premier League defeat. On 2 April 2011, Noble scored a penalty kick in the game vs. Manchester United at Upton Park
in the 11th minute and then scored another penalty in the 25th minute. The Hammers, however, eventually lost 4-2. On Saturday 23 April 2011, Noble started against Chelsea
in a 3-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge
. At the end of the 2010-2011 season, Noble made 35 appearances and scored 5 goals in all competitions.
. He was a member of the England U-19 team that beat Serbia and Montenegro 3–1 in the 2005 European Championship
semi-finals, although they subsequently lost the final to France.
Noble made his debut for the England U-21 team on 11 June 2007, coming on as substitute in the 82nd minute for Tom Huddlestone
in England's 0–0 draw with the Czech Republic during the European under-21 Championships in Holland. He established himself in the starting eleven for the remaining matches and scored twice in a dramatic semifinal penalty shootout against the Netherlands where they lost 13–12.
On 11 September 2007, Noble scored his first international goal, for the Under-21 team, against Bulgaria, in a 2–0 victory, followed by two more against the Republic of Ireland on 16 October.
Noble captained the U-21s at the 2009 European Championships
as regular captain Steven Taylor
had to withdraw due to injury. The Young Lions ended the tournament as runners-up, losing 4–0 to Germany, with Noble playing his last match for the U21's.
Noble is also eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland
national side.
As of 19:00, 25 October 2011 (UTC)
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
footballer who plays for West Ham United
West Ham United F.C.
West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current...
. He has played all his youth and first team football for West Ham and made 20 appearances, scoring 3 goals, for the England under-21 team
England national under-21 football team
England's national Under-21 football team, also known as England Under-21s or England U21, is considered to be the feeder team for the England national football team....
which he captained.
Despite his relatively young age, Noble is the longest serving player in the Hammers' current squad, having been in the first team since 2004.
Early career
Noble joined the West Ham UnitedWest Ham United F.C.
West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current...
youth academy as a schoolboy after a short spell at Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
and became the youngest player ever to appear in the reserve team, aged 15. He became a trainee in July 2003 and made his debut in the senior team at the age of just 17 in the League Cup
League Cup
In association football, a League Cup or Secondary Cup generally signifies a cup competition for which entry is restricted only to teams in a particular league. The first national association football tournament to be called "League Cup" was held in Scotland in 1946/47 and was entitled the Scottish...
in August 2004 in a 2–0 win against Southend
Southend United F.C.
Southend United Football Club is an English football club based at Roots Hall Stadium, Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, who play in Football League Two. Their home ground is Roots Hall, and the club plan to move into a new 22,000-seater stadium located at Fossetts Farm.-Stadium:The club has had...
. He made his league debut in the Championship in January 2005, in a 4–2 defeat away at Wolves
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at...
.
Former Manager Alan Pardew
Alan Pardew
Alan Scott Pardew is an English football manager and former player, currently the manager of Newcastle United....
had described Noble as possibly the best prospect at the club. He won the Young Hammer of the Year and the runner-up to the Hammer of the Year awards despite making his debut only four months previously. Upon West Ham's return to the Premiership, he featured in games against Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane....
and Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
among others but found regular playing time harder to come by.
Loan Periods
Noble was subsequently loaned to Hull CityHull City A.F.C.
Hull City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, founded in 1904. The club participates in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football...
where he made five appearances but was sent back after suffering an injury to his lower back.
Ipswich Town F.C.
Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
in August 2006 in the hope of gaining necessary first team experience. Whilst there he played 13 games in the Championship, and scored his first professional goal on 12 September in a 2–1 home win over Coventry City
Coventry City F.C.
Coventry City Football Club, otherwise known as the Sky Blues owing to the traditional colour of their strip, are a professional English Football league club based in Coventry...
.
Return to West Ham
Noble scored his first goal for West Ham, a 3–0 win at home against Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton & Hove Albion F.C.
Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club are an English association football club based in the coastal city of Brighton & Hove, East Sussex. They currently play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system....
in January 2007 in the 3rd round of the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
in which he was also awarded the Man of the Match
Man of the match
In sport, a Man of the Match or Player of the Game or Man of the Series award is given to the outstanding player, almost always the one who makes the most impact, in a particular match or series. The term was originally used more often in cricket before being adopted by other sports. This can be a...
award.
On 4 March, he scored his first Premiership goal against Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane....
at Upton Park
Boleyn Ground
The Boleyn Ground, more commonly referred to as Upton Park due to its location in Upton Park, London is the football stadium of West Ham United.-History:...
in a game West Ham eventually lost 4–3 in the final seconds, prompting tears from the young player. On 17 March 2007, he started the premier league game with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park
Ewood Park
Ewood Park is a football stadium in the English town of Blackburn, Lancashire, and is the home of Blackburn Rovers Football Club — one of the founder members of the Football League and Premier League. Rovers have played there since they moved from Leamington Street in the summer of 1890. The...
and was substituted at half-time for Hayden Mullins
Hayden Mullins
Hayden Ian Mullins is an English footballer who plays for Portsmouth. He plays as a sweeper and at right-back in addition to his preferred midfield-holding position.-Crystal Palace:...
in the 2-1 victory for the Hammers.
In May 2007, Noble won two Knees Up Mother Brown awards for the 2006–07 season voted by the fanzine website users. Noble was their overwhelming choice for Young Player of the Year. He also won this award in the 2004–05 season. Noble won this with 99% of the votes. He also took the Goal of the Season award for his thunderous volley in the 3–1 win against Bolton in April 2007.
Noble established his place in Alan Curbishley
Alan Curbishley
Llewellyn Charles "Alan" Curbishley is an English football manager and former professional player....
's side during the 2007/08 season, starting nearly all games when fit. He was out for several weeks in November when it was discovered that he had played through an injury for the last several months without letting the medical staff know. In January, Noble scored the only goal in a 1–0 victory over Liverpool from the penalty spot, after Reds defender Jamie Carragher
Jamie Carragher
James Lee Duncan "Jamie" Carragher is an English footballer who plays as a defender for Premier League side Liverpool...
had brought down Fredrik Ljungberg
Fredrik Ljungberg
Karl Fredrik "Freddie" Ljungberg is a Swedish footballer who currently plays as a right winger for Shimizu S-Pulse in Japan. Ljungberg was captain of the Swedish national team until he announced his international retirement after UEFA Euro 2008.Ljungberg was a model for Calvin Klein underwear...
in the last few seconds of 2nd half stoppage time.
The 2008–09 season did not start well for Noble as he was sent off for two bookable offences in a 3–0 loss away at Manchester City
Manchester City F.C.
Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894...
, the first away game of the season. After serving his suspension he came back to score an equaliser against West Bromwich after West Ham went a goal down but unfortunately West Brom still managed a 3–2 win. After Curbishley left in September, he remained first choice under new coach Gianfranco Zola
Gianfranco Zola
Gianfranco Zola, OBE, Ufficiale OMRI is a retired Italian footballer and manager, who most recently managed West Ham United from 2008 to 2010, after having been assistant manager of the Italy U-21 under Pierluigi Casiraghi...
. He celebrated his 100th appearance for the Hammers by scoring against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park
Ewood Park
Ewood Park is a football stadium in the English town of Blackburn, Lancashire, and is the home of Blackburn Rovers Football Club — one of the founder members of the Football League and Premier League. Rovers have played there since they moved from Leamington Street in the summer of 1890. The...
, on 21 March 2009 to secure a 1–1 draw. In April, he signed a contract extension tying him to the club until 2013.
Noble began the 2009–10 season well, scoring West Ham's first goal of the new season. In the first game of the season on 15 August, he scored the opening goal, a 16-yard strike, in a 2–0 win over Premier League newcomers Wolverhampton Wanderers. He is currently the first-choice free kick taker for penalties and corners. Under Zola, Noble made the central midfield slot his own in a midfield diamond that included Scott Parker
Scott Parker (footballer)
Scott Matthew Parker is an English footballer who plays for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and the England national team. He is the FWA Footballer of the Year for the 2010–11 season. He has represented England at every level from under-16 to senior. Uniquely, he won his first four England...
as his partner and Jack Collison
Jack Collison
Jack David Collison is a Welsh international footballer who plays for West Ham United. Collison is a product of West Ham's youth academy and has quickly progressed from trainee to playing first team football in the Premier League since joining at age sixteen...
and Valon Behrami
Valon Behrami
Valon Behrami is a Swiss footballer of Albanian descent who plays for Fiorentina in the Italian Serie A, as well as the Swiss national team.-Early life:Behrami was born in Titova Mitrovica, Yugoslavia to Albanian parents...
on the wings. On 12 December away at Birmingham City
Birmingham City F.C.
Birmingham City Football Club is a professional association football club based in the city of Birmingham, England. Formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in 1943.They were relegated at the end of the...
, he made his 100th league appearance for the Hammers after missing several matches through injury and illness but his return was marred by his late sending-off for two bookable offences. On 23 February 2010, he started and played the full 90 minutes against Manchester United at Old Trafford
Old Trafford
Old Trafford commonly refers to two sporting arenas:* Old Trafford, home of Manchester United F.C.* Old Trafford Cricket Ground, home of Lancashire County Cricket ClubOld Trafford can also refer to:...
in a 3-0 defeat. On 14 August 2010, he started and played the full 90 minutes against Aston Villa at Villa Park
Villa Park
Villa Park may mean:United Kingdom* Villa Park, an association football stadium in Birmingham, EnglandUnited States* Villa Park, California, a small city in Orange County* Villa Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago in DuPage County...
in a 3-0 loss in their opening Barclays Premier League fixture of 2010-11. On 28 August 2010, Noble started and played the full 90 minutes in an attacking midfield role against Manchester United at Old Trafford
Old Trafford
Old Trafford commonly refers to two sporting arenas:* Old Trafford, home of Manchester United F.C.* Old Trafford Cricket Ground, home of Lancashire County Cricket ClubOld Trafford can also refer to:...
in the 3-0 Barclays Premier League defeat. On 2 April 2011, Noble scored a penalty kick in the game vs. Manchester United at Upton Park
Upton Park
Upton Park is an urban area of the London Borough of Newham,centred around the local high street, Green Street. The area is synonymous with football and is home to West Ham United Football Club, who play at the Boleyn Ground, commonly known as Upton Park, while nearby is a green space also called...
in the 11th minute and then scored another penalty in the 25th minute. The Hammers, however, eventually lost 4-2. On Saturday 23 April 2011, Noble started against Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
in a 3-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge
Stamford Bridge
Stamford Bridge could be* Stamford Bridge, East Riding of Yorkshire, a village in England** The Battle of Stamford Bridge* Stamford Bridge , in London** by metonymy, Chelsea F.C., football club based in the stadium...
. At the end of the 2010-2011 season, Noble made 35 appearances and scored 5 goals in all competitions.
International career
Noble captained the England U-18 teamEngland national under-18 football team
-Latest squad:The following players were named in the squad for the friendly match against Slovakia.-Recent call-ups:The following players have also been called up to the England under-18 squad and remain eligible.-References:...
. He was a member of the England U-19 team that beat Serbia and Montenegro 3–1 in the 2005 European Championship
2005 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
The 2005 European Under-19 Football Championship was held in Northern Ireland between 18 and 29 July 2005.-Venues:-Teams:The eight teams that participated in the final tournament were: -Match officials:...
semi-finals, although they subsequently lost the final to France.
Noble made his debut for the England U-21 team on 11 June 2007, coming on as substitute in the 82nd minute for Tom Huddlestone
Tom Huddlestone
Thomas Andrew Huddlestone is an English footballer who plays for Tottenham Hotspur and the England national team.-Derby County:...
in England's 0–0 draw with the Czech Republic during the European under-21 Championships in Holland. He established himself in the starting eleven for the remaining matches and scored twice in a dramatic semifinal penalty shootout against the Netherlands where they lost 13–12.
On 11 September 2007, Noble scored his first international goal, for the Under-21 team, against Bulgaria, in a 2–0 victory, followed by two more against the Republic of Ireland on 16 October.
Noble captained the U-21s at the 2009 European Championships
2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship
The 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship began on 15 June 2009, and was the 17th UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship. This was the first tournament after the competition reverted to a two-year format, following the single-year 2006-07 competition, which allowed the change to...
as regular captain Steven Taylor
Steven Taylor (footballer)
Steven Vincent Taylor is an English footballer, currently playing for Premier League club Newcastle United. He is a versatile central defender who can play at right back or, on rare occasions, at left back...
had to withdraw due to injury. The Young Lions ended the tournament as runners-up, losing 4–0 to Germany, with Noble playing his last match for the U21's.
Noble is also eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland national football team
The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Ireland in association football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, which opened in May 2010....
national side.
Statistics
| Club | League | Season | League | Cup FA Cup The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's... |
League Cup Football League Cup The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis... |
Europe | Total | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | |||
| West Ham United West Ham United F.C. West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current... |
Championship Football League Championship The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League... |
2004–05 | 16 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
| 21 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||||
| Premier League FA Premier League The Premier League is an English professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the English football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. Contested by 20 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with The Football League. The Premier... |
2005–06 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |||||||
| 6 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||||||
| Hull City Hull City A.F.C. Hull City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, founded in 1904. The club participates in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football... (Loan) |
Championship Football League Championship The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League... |
2005–06 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
| 5 | 0 | 1 | |||||||||||||||
| Ipswich Town Ipswich Town F.C. Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02.... (Loan) |
2006–07 | 13 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||
| 13 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||
| West Ham United West Ham United F.C. West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current... |
Premier League FA Premier League The Premier League is an English professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the English football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. Contested by 20 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with The Football League. The Premier... |
2006–07 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 3 | 0 |
| 2007–08 | 31 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| 36 | 3 | 4 | |||||||||||||||
| 2008–09 | 29 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| 34 | 5 | 4 | |||||||||||||||
| 2009–10 | 27 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| 28 | 2 | 4 | |||||||||||||||
| 2010-11 | 26 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 2 | ||||||||
| 35 | 5 | 9 | |||||||||||||||
| Championship Football League Championship The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League... |
2011-12 | 16 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||||
| 16 | 2 | 0 | |||||||||||||||
| West Ham Total | 160 | 16 | 17 | 14 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 187 | 20 | 21 | ||
| Career Total | 178 | 17 | 19 | 14 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 205 | 21 | 23 | ||
As of 19:00, 25 October 2011 (UTC)
External links
- Photo and stats at sporting-heroes.net
- Premier League profile