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Mark Noble

Squad Number: 16
Position: Midfielder
Born: 8th May 1987, England
Signed: 1st Jul 2003 (£0)
Contract: 3½ years (signed April 2009)
Previous Club: Youth Team

KUMB Awards: Young Player of the Year 2004/05, 2006/07, 2007/08, (third place) 2005/06; Most Improved Player (runner up) 2006/07; Goal of the Season 2006/07

Local boy Noble made his first-team breakthrough during West Ham's promotion year of 2004/05, when he came in late on in the season to help the Hammers return to the Premiership.

His chances in the Premiership during the 05/06 campaign were limited however, and he was loaned out to Championship club Hull during the latter part of the season.

Another year on in his development, much is expected of a player who comes from dyed-in-the-wool claret and blue stock.

 

2010/11 Match Notes & Ratings

1-3 v Bolton Wanderers (h) 21st August 2010
by Gordon Thrower

A busy afternoon. He must learn to curb his frustration when confronted with poor officials – his late yellow was pointless. How I wish he'd taken the first penalty.

0-3 v Aston Villa (a) 14th August 2010
by Staff Writer

Worked hard, no lack of effort from a young man who needs a good season if he is to push on.

 

2009/10 Match Notes & Ratings

2-3 v Fulham (a) 3rd May 2010
by Gordon Thrower

Busy, mostly to little end though he set up the first and was involved in the move for the second.

3-2 v Wigan Athletic (h) 24th April 2010
by Gordon Thrower

The plaudits went to Parker but, given he was nominally out on the left, Noble's performance was nearly as impressive. Looked knackered at the end – had every right to.

1-0 v Sunderland (h) 10th April 2010
by Gordon Thrower

Probably edges Behrami for MOTM for me – some of the tackles he put in were earth shakers and, given that they galvanised the crowd, the example must have had a positive effect on his team-mates.

2-2 v Everton (a) 1st April 2010
by Staff Writer

One of his best efforts for a while and so unlucky not to score with a deft chip. Needs to keep his form due to Parker's ensuing suspension.

0-1 v Stoke City (h) 27th March 2010
by East Stand Martin

Symptomatic of his season - some flashes of excellence but not enough.

0-3 v Manchester United (a) 23rd February 2010
by Staff Writer

Whatever is wrong with Noble needs to be nipped in the bud, and soon. A poor season is showing no signs of improvement.

2-0 v Birmingham City (h) 10th February 2010
by Gordon Thrower

(Replaced Parker, 86 mins) Not really on for long enough to make a difference – the rest was much-needed in my opinion.

1-2 v Burnley (a) 6th February 2010
by Rob Chapman

Never really came to the party. A couple of decent interchanges here and there, but never really seemed involved. The harder he tries (which is not in doubt) the less seems to come off for him. Either needs a goal or a rest to sort his mindset out. Either is likely to see a vastly improved player.

0-0 v Blackburn Rovers (h) 30th January 2010
by Gordon Thrower

Not a bad first half but his distribution went off the boil in the second half.

1-1 v Chelsea (h) 20th December 2009
by Gordon Thrower

Got stuck in in what was his best game in a long while.

2-1 v Aston Villa (h) 4th November 2009
by Gordon Thrower

Much better than of late. He looked lively and Friedel’s save was the only thing that stopped him doubling his tally.

2-2 v Sunderland (a) 31st October 2009
by Gordon Thrower

Some good play on occasions but, as has been the case for much of this season, it’s been sporadic at best. I still think he needs a rest.

2-2 v Arsenal (h) 25th October 2009
by Gordon Thrower

There is something not right here. The more the game went on the worse his passing got and his delivery from set pieces left much to be desired.

2-2 v Fulham (h) 4th October 2009
by Gordon Thrower

Decent first half. Back to his recent lack of form in the second.

1-3 v Manchester City (a) 28th September 2009
by Hammer John

Once again a display where he didn't do too much wrong, but had no real impact on the game. Continuing to struggle against the better teams.

1-3 v Bolton Wanderers (a) 22nd September 2009
by Hammer John

As above, always available, worked hard - but I lost count of how many times he gave the ball away.

2-3 v Liverpool (h) 19th September 2009
by Gordon Thrower

Doesn’t seem at home on the right. In the unlikely event that we ever get all our midfield fit at the same time he may be due a rest.

0-1 v Wigan Athletic (a) 12th September 2009
by Gordon Thrower

This was the sort of game he ought to have been taking by the scruff of the neck but didn’t. Picked up a deserved yellow early on for a niggly little kick and was on a bit of a knife-edge thereafter.

0-0 v Blackburn Rovers (a) 29th August 2009
by East Stand Martin

The pick of our midfield today.

1-2 v Tottenham Hotspur (h) 23rd August 2009
by East Stand Martin

Quieter than last week. Still got through a fair bit of running.

1-2 v Tottenham Hotspur (h) 23rd August 2009
by Gordon Thrower

Quieter than last week. Still got through a fair bit of running.

2-0 v Wolverhampton Wanderers (a) 15th August 2009
by Andy Stansfield

Quality performance – maturing nicely. Let’s hope he continues to keep his head next weekend.

2-0 v Wolverhampton Wanderers (a) 15th August 2009
by Gordon Thrower

Quality performance – maturing nicely. Let’s hope he continues to keep his head next weekend.

2-0 v Beijing Guoan (n) 31st July 2009
by Staff Writer

Passing not at its best but held the midfield well.

 

2008/09 Match Notes & Ratings

2-1 v Middlesbrough (h) 24th May 2009
by Gordon Thrower

Strong but looked a bit tired – a few 3am feeds too many perhaps?

0-3 v Liverpool (h) 9th May 2009
by Gordon Thrower

Best game in ages – as if he took the presence and hype about Divin’ Steve G as a personal insult.

1-0 v Stoke City (a) 2nd May 2009
by Gordon Thrower

There’s been much comment about the lad’s form of late. Whilst this wasn’t a return to the days when he ran matches, he did a prodigious amount of defensive work that was vital if not eye-catching in this instance.

0-1 v Chelsea (h) 25th April 2009
by Gordon Thrower

Got through a lot of running but the distribution left a lot to be desired. Telegraphed the penalty unfortunately.

2-0 v Sunderland (h) 4th April 2009
by Gordon Thrower

In the absence of just about every other midfielder on our books he shouldered the responsibility well. If I have one criticism it would be that he went to ground in the tackle more than I would have liked – mis-time those and you have a red card on the way.

1-1 v Blackburn Rovers (a) 21st March 2009
by Gordon Thrower

Fine finish for the goal and a much better run out than of late. Faded a bit towards the end but that was unsurprising in view of the running he’d put in.

0-0 v West Bromwich Albion (h) 16th March 2009
by Gordon Thrower

The lad is clearly well out of sorts at present. A bigger squad might see him given a break but for the foreseeable he’ll be in the starting line-up.

0-0 v West Bromwich Albion (h) 16th March 2009
by John Simkin

Will not reach top form until he is played in central midfield. He is clearly not happy with this wide role and he constantly drifted inside to a crowded midfield.

1-2 v Bolton Wanderers (a) 21st February 2009
by John Simkin

A return to form and a great pass to set-up Di Michele in the 39th minute. However, his decision to pass when put through by Cole was inexplicable.

1-1 v Middlesbrough (h) 14th February 2009
by John Simkin

Another disappointing performance from a player who could be carrying an injury.

1-1 v Middlesbrough (h) 14th February 2009
by East Stand Martin

A silly booking and also guilty of giving the ball away too much.

1-1 v Middlesbrough (h) 14th February 2009
by Gordon Thrower

A silly booking and also guilty of giving the ball away too much.

0-1 v Manchester United (h) 8th February 2009
by John Simkin

Lovely pass to Cole offered West Ham best chance of scoring. However, overall, his passing was not up to his normal standard with a 25% failure-rate.

0-1 v Manchester United (h) 8th February 2009
by Gordon Thrower

A lot of running but his passing was not at its best.

0-0 v Arsenal (a) 31st January 2009
by East Stand Martin

A slightly disappointing run-out. Gave the ball away a few times and, though he did a lot of tracking back, I just had the feeling he can do better.

0-0 v Arsenal (a) 31st January 2009
by Gordon Thrower

A slightly disappointing run-out. Gave the ball away a few times and, though he did a lot of tracking back, I just had the feeling he can do better.

0-0 v Arsenal (a) 31st January 2009
by John Simkin

Well below his best. Distribution was poor and he gave very little support to Di Michele and Cole. I suspect he had not recovered from the knock he took against Hull.

2-0 v Hull City (h) 28th January 2009
by John Simkin

Developing a great partnership with Parker at the centre of midfield. Poor spot-kick but was unlucky with a delightful chip in the 78th minute.

2-0 v Hartlepool United (a) 24th January 2009
by John Simkin

not have to be at his very best today. Looks to be a competent penalty-taker.

3-1 v Fulham (h) 18th January 2009
by John Simkin

He gives the midfield a sense of urgency. As with Collison, his youthful energy makes a great deal of difference to our midfield.

2-2 v Newcastle United (a) 10th January 2009
by Gordon Thrower

Had work a-plenty but faded a bit in the second half. Might have done better when one on one with Given.

3-0 v Barnsley (h) 3rd January 2009
by Gordon Thrower

A busy afternoon. Scored one, made one and was at the heart of things in the centre.

1-3 v Bolton Wanderers (h) 5th October 2008
by Gordon Thrower

Failed to spot passes when they were on.

2-1 v Fulham (a) 28th September 2008
by Gordon Thrower

Reduced Bullard to having to seek assists from the ref. Played some superb passes, not least for Etherington’s goal.

3-1 v Newcastle United (h) 20th September 2008
by Alex Shilling

Excellent performance at Albion last week, another great one today. Back to his best?

3-1 v Newcastle United (h) 20th September 2008
by Gordon Thrower

Revelled in the extra responsibility that a 3-man midfield brought him. Some decent passes too.

2-3 v West Bromwich Albion (a) 13th September 2008
by East Stand Martin

In the right place at the right time for the goal. Like Parker, he faded after the break.

4-1 v Blackburn Rovers (h) 30th August 2008
by East Stand Martin

All the aggression without the stupidity. A very good performance that answered criticisms of his central midfield partnership with Parker.

4-1 v Blackburn Rovers (h) 30th August 2008
by Gordon Thrower

Pulled all the strings, particularly in the first 45.

 

2007/08 Match Notes & Ratings

2-2 v Aston Villa (h) 10th May 2008
by Gordon Thrower

Another hard shift put in before being sacrificed in the chase for the equaliser.

1-4 v Manchester United (a) 3rd May 2008
by Gordon Thrower

Too many misplaced passes undid some good work.

1-4 v Manchester United (a) 3rd May 2008
by Alex Shilling

Why was he played here? Curbishley has known him for over a year, he must know right wing is not his position. Solano would have been a better option, Noble was absent today.

2-2 v Newcastle United (h) 26th April 2008
by Alex Shilling

MOTM, played much like Parker today, distribution good, very good goal too.

2-2 v Newcastle United (h) 26th April 2008
by Gordon Thrower

Works well alongside Parker and this would appear to be the boss’s preferred middle pairing. Lots of hard work and took the goal well.

2-1 v Derby County (h) 19th April 2008
by Gordon Thrower

Busy ninety minutes for the youngster who at times ran the show in the middle.

1-2 v Sunderland (a) 29th March 2008
by Gordon Thrower

When he was on the ball he looked class. Unfortunately we didn’t give him enough of the ball.

1-1 v Everton (a) 22nd March 2008
by Graeme Howlett

A quiet(ish) first 45 but really came to life in the second half. So close to winning the game with the last minute strike.

2-1 v Blackburn Rovers (h) 17th March 2008
by Alex Shilling

(replaced Parker, 76) Can't see why Curbishley keeps dropping him, he's the best central midfielder we have. Held it together well when he came on.

2-1 v Blackburn Rovers (h) 17th March 2008
by Gordon Thrower

(replaced Parker, 76) Continued where Parker had left off

0-4 v Tottenham (a) 10th March 2008
by Gordon Thrower

(replaced Parker, 76) Not as dominant as Parker had been but got a couple of good feet in.

0-4 v Chelsea (h) 1st March 2008
by Gordon Thrower

Tried but his passing and set play delivery were short of the mark today.

1-0 v Fulham (a) 23rd February 2008
by Gordon Thrower

Effective without dominating like we know he can.

1-0 v Wigan Athletic (a) 2nd February 2008
by Gordon Thrower

Battled and battled but ultimately muscled out in the middle.

1-0 v Liverpool (h) 30th January 2008
by East Stand Martin

Worked his socks off for the whole match. Nerves of steel for the spot-kick.

1-0 v Liverpool (h) 30th January 2008
by Gordon Thrower

Worked his socks off for the whole match. Nerves of steel for the spot-kick.

0-1 v Manchester City (a) 16th January 2008
by Jacob Steinberg

While his passing could not be faulted, he was unable to truly dominate and was given a bit of a lesson at times by Elano.

2-1 v Fulham (h) 12th January 2008
by Gordon Thrower

Honours even in a fascinating midfield battle with Murphy. Worked wonders for the winner.

0-0 v Manchester City (h) 5th January 2008
by Jacob Steinberg

After a spell out of the team, he has his place back. He buzzed about the pitch all the time, snapped into tackles and made decent passes, but he was just unable to create that one good chance.

0-0 v Manchester City (h) 5th January 2008
by Gordon Thrower

Fine game. Took on responsibility well in the absence of Parker.

0-2 v Arsenal (a) 1st January 2008
by Gordon Thrower

Tons of running and got a lot of tackles in. Ridiculously booked with seconds to go.

2-1 v Manchester United (h) 29th December 2007
by East Stand Martin

Showed great character to recover from the early miss following Mullins’ effort that came off the bar. His delivery for the goals was superb.

2-1 v Manchester United (h) 29th December 2007
by Gordon Thrower

Showed great character to recover from the early miss following Mullins’ effort that came off the bar. His delivery for the goals was superb.

2-1 v Manchester United (h) 29th December 2007
by Jacob Steinberg

He has been out of the side lately and with good reason some may argue, but he probed diligently throughout and created two goals.

1-1 v Reading (h) 26th December 2007
by Jacob Steinberg

(replaced Solano, 77) One dangerous corner aside, he did little when he came on.

0-2 v Everton (h) 15th December 2007
by Jacob Steinberg

(replaced Solano, 59) He will probably get a chance next week. Here his intentions were obvious even though he could not pick the lock.

0-2 v Everton (h) 15th December 2007
by Gordon Thrower

(replaced Solano, 59) A few good runs shortly after arriving on the pitch but faded from view thereafter.

1-1 v Tottenham (h) 24th November 2007
by Gordon Thrower

A few good challenges and a few good passes but faded quite early on, possibly as a result of his lay-off. We will see better from him.

2-1 v Coventry City (a) 30th October 2007
by Graeme Howlett

Not his greatest performance but was struggling for some time with an injury which saw him replaced at the break.

0-1 v Aston Villa (a) 6th October 2007
by Alex Shilling

(replaced Mullins, 80) If Curbs was trying to get the best out of him by the stick rather than the carrot, this wasn't the game to do it in.

0-1 v Aston Villa (a) 6th October 2007
by East Stand Martin

(replaced Mullins, 80) Barely had a chance to nip at Reo-Coker's ankles.

0-1 v Arsenal (h) 28th September 2007
by Josh Tappin

Strong as usual. One risky tackle.

3-0 v Middlesbrough (h) 15th September 2007
by Gordon Thrower

Clearly he feels the effects of two games in a week but he ran his socks off and got through a lot of work without quite stamping his authority on the game as we know he can.

3-0 v Reading (a) 1st September 2007
by Jacob Steinberg

Not eye-catching but endeavoured to ensure Reading stamped no authority and his passing was quietly effective.

3-0 v Reading (a) 1st September 2007
by East Stand Martin

Circumstances dictated a more defensive role for the youngster today. Not found wanting – though he ought to have had a goal in the first half.

3-0 v Reading (a) 1st September 2007
by Gordon Thrower

Circumstances dictated a more defensive role for the youngster today. Not found wanting – though he ought to have had a goal in the first half.

2-1 v Bristol Rovers (a) 28th August 2007
by Graeme Howlett

(replaced Dyer, 13) Another committed performance from the youngster whose stock is increasing week by week.

1-1 v Wigan Athletic (h) 25th August 2007
by East Stand Martin

Another good run-out – though the toll of a hot day and a midweek international showed in the last few minutes.

1-1 v Wigan Athletic (h) 25th August 2007
by Gordon Thrower

Another good run-out – though the toll of a hot day and a midweek international showed in the last few minutes.

1-1 v Wigan Athletic (h) 25th August 2007
by Jacob Steinberg

A decent game although not as good as last week. Always willing and wants to play football rather than hoof it.

1-0 v Birmingham City (a) 18th August 2007
by East Stand Martin

At the heart of much that was good. Did the right thing at the right time and kept a cool head for the penalty.

1-0 v Birmingham City (a) 18th August 2007
by Gordon Thrower

At the heart of much that was good. Did the right thing at the right time and kept a cool head for the penalty.

0-2 v Manchester City (h) 11th August 2007
by East Stand Martin

At his best when he keeps it simple. Spent too much time trying to find that killer ball or to beat players when the simple pass was on.

0-2 v Manchester City (h) 11th August 2007
by Jacob Steinberg

Perhaps his poorest ever display but at least he tries to play football. His passing was so laboured and easily cut out.

0-2 v Manchester City (h) 11th August 2007
by Gordon Thrower

At his best when he keeps it simple. Spent too much time trying to find that killer ball or to beat players when the simple pass was on.

 

2006/07 Match Notes & Ratings

1-0 v Manchester United (a) 13th May 2007
by East Stand Martin

Snapped and harried and hassled for the whole 90 minutes. If we were going to be relegated he was damned sure it wasn’t going to be his fault.

1-0 v Manchester United (a) 13th May 2007
by Gordon Thrower

Snapped and harried and hassled for the whole 90 minutes. If we were going to be relegated he was damned sure it wasn’t going to be his fault.

3-1 v Bolton Wanderers (h) 5th May 2007
by East Stand Martin

Being caught in possession for the Bolton goal was the only real blemish on another fine performance. And what a goal. Hopefully now a fixture in the side.

3-1 v Bolton Wanderers (h) 5th May 2007
by Gordon Thrower

Being caught in possession for the Bolton goal was the only real blemish on another fine performance. And what a goal. Hopefully now a fixture in the side.

3-0 v Wigan Athletic (a) 28th April 2007
by East Stand Martin

His passing is of high quality, but his willingness to get stuck in is commendable. The youngster had no second thoughts about winning one tackle moments after winning another.

3-0 v Wigan Athletic (a) 28th April 2007
by Jacob Steinberg

His passing is of high quality, but his willingness to get stuck in is commendable. The youngster had no second thoughts about winning one tackle moments after winning another.

1-0 v Everton (h) 21st April 2007
by East Stand Martin

If nothing else the trials and tribulations of this season have at least prompted the reintroduction of Noble into the first team following spells on loan and on the treatment table. A good solid game.

1-0 v Everton (h) 21st April 2007
by Gordon Thrower

If nothing else the trials and tribulations of this season have at least prompted the reintroduction of Noble into the first team following spells on loan and on the treatment table. A good solid game.

1-0 v Arsenal (a) 7th April 2007
by East Stand Martin

Started slowly but slowly got to grips with the game. Made some huge tackles in the middle of the park.

1-0 v Arsenal (a) 7th April 2007
by Graeme Howlett

Started slowly but slowly got to grips with the game. Made some huge tackles in the middle of the park.

2-0 v Middlesbrough (h) 31st March 2007
by Jacob Steinberg

Curbishley may have feared he was too young, but he has disproved that theory. May need to curb his somewhat overly aggressive streak however.

2-0 v Middlesbrough (h) 31st March 2007
by Graeme Howlett

A brave decision by Curbishley's to include him again today after Noble chased shadows at Blackburn last weekend - but it proved to be a great call.

2-1 v Blackburn Rovers (a) 17th March 2007
by Graeme Howlett

One game too many perhaps as the youngster was out-fought and out-thought by Blackburn's veteran wily Turk. Rightly substituted today, but he's done enough in recent weeks to show he should be in with a shout.

2-1 v Blackburn Rovers (a) 17th March 2007
by East Stand Martin

One game too many perhaps as the youngster was out-fought and out-thought by Blackburn's veteran wily Turk. Rightly substituted today, but he's done enough in recent weeks to show he should be in with a shout.

3-4 v Tottenham (h) 4th March 2007
by East Stand Martin

Vindicated the views of 90% of Hammers fan's views. Fizzed around the place and took his goal well.

3-0 v Brighton & Hove Albion (h) 6th January 2007
by Nick Bull

A joy to see him the Claret and Blue again. Took his goal well, the bounce could have easily hindered him. Probably warming the bench next week.

3-0 v Brighton & Hove Albion (h) 6th January 2007
by Gordon Thrower

Bossed midfield and enjoyed his well-taken goal.

 

2005/06 Match Notes & Ratings

2-3 v Blackburn Rovers (a) 10th December 2005
by East Stand Martin

Comments to follow.

2-1 v Birmingham City (a) 5th December 2005
by Graeme Howlett

Comments to follow.

1-2 v Manchester United (h) 27th November 2005
by East Stand Martin

Only his second ever Premiership start yet Noble has already come up against Davids and Carrick and now Smith and Scholes. Made little impression today (although his interception started the move for our goal) but the experience he is gaining will prove invaluable.

1-1 v Tottenham (a) 20th November 2005
by East Stand Martin

His battle with Davids was the highlight of the maych for me. He gave the Dutchman no respect whatsoever, got stuck in and distributed the ball well. Can he do it at premiership level? What a daft question!

1-1 v Tottenham (a) 20th November 2005
by Gordon Thrower

His battle with Davids was the highlight of the maych for me. He gave the Dutchman no respect whatsoever, got stuck in and distributed the ball well. Can he do it at premiership level? What a daft question!

4-2 v Sheffield Wednesday (a) 20th September 2005
by Graeme Howlett

Comments to follow.

3-1 v Blackburn Rovers (h) 13th August 2005
by David P Lewis

(Replaced Mullins, 84) Just time for a brief cameo of the youngster’s footwork.

3-1 v Blackburn Rovers (h) 13th August 2005
by East Stand Martin

(Replaced Mullins, 84) Just time for a brief cameo of the youngster’s footwork.

3-1 v Blackburn Rovers (h) 13th August 2005
by Gordon Thrower

(Replaced Mullins, 84) Just time for a brief cameo of the youngster’s footwork.

 

2004/05 Match Notes & Ratings

1-0 v Preston North End (n) 30th May 2005
by Gordon Thrower

(Replaced Newton, 82) Came on as a fresh pair of legs for 10K late on. Not enough time to exert a major influence.

1-0 v Preston North End (n) 30th May 2005
by East Stand Martin

(Replaced Newton, 82) Brought on to add a bit of pace for counter-attacks, one would presume - and it nearly paid off as his one shot only just evaded Preston's left-hand post. A big future lays ahead for this boy, and now it looks like it'll be with West Ham for the forseeable future. Happy days.

2-0 v Ipswich Town (a) 18th May 2005
by East Stand Martin

(Replaced Etherington, 89) Brought on to kill off the last few seconds. Did considerably more running in the post-match celebrations.

2-2 v Ipswich Town (h) 14th May 2005
by Graeme Howlett

(Replaced Etherington, 73) Came on late, ran round a lot but didn't manage to get too involved.

2-2 v Ipswich Town (h) 14th May 2005
by East Stand Martin

(Replaced Etherington, 73) Came on late, ran round a lot but didn't manage to get too involved.

2-1 v Watford (a) 8th May 2005
by East Stand Martin

(Replaced Etherington, 73) Comments to follow.

1-2 v Sunderland (h) 29th April 2005
by Gordon Thrower

(Replaced Etherington, 73) Replaced Etherington for the last 15 but didn’t really register.

1-1 v Millwall (h) 16th April 2005
by Gordon Thrower

Tried to make things happen but with little success.

1-1 v Millwall (h) 16th April 2005
by East Stand Martin

Didn't really get into the game despite looking busy as usual. Passing a little loose at times.

3-0 v Coventry City (h) 9th April 2005
by Gordon Thrower

Another impressive run out for the youngster. Perhaps should have scored in the first half when his back heel went wide.

3-0 v Coventry City (h) 9th April 2005
by East Stand Martin

Worked hard as always, looked better in the second half when moved from the wing into the centre, his more natural position.

1-0 v Burnley (a) 5th April 2005
by East Stand Martin

aka Mark 'Can I See Some ID Please Son?' Noble - Stood on top of Tedward's shoulders in the Northbank don't you know? Three Times A Lady.

2-1 v Wigan Athletic (a) 2nd April 2005
by East Stand Martin

Fantastic when he was able to get on the ball, he possesses the best football brain of any of the current squad - including Teddy! With the ability to drift past people, shoot and play the killer through-ball his talents would flourish in the centre of the park. That said he performed admirably and once again demonstrated what an exceptional young player he is.

2-1 v Wigan Athletic (a) 2nd April 2005
by Madhammer

Fantastic when he was able to get on the ball, he possesses the best football brain of any of the current squad - including Teddy! With the ability to drift past people, shoot and play the killer through-ball his talents would flourish in the centre of the park. That said he performed admirably and once again demonstrated what an exceptional young player he is.

2-2 v Leicester City (h) 18th March 2005
by Gordon Thrower

A fine game. Another player who has come into the side earlier than anticipated. It’s always good to see “one of us” in the side and when the player is as talented as Noble is it’s all the better. Thanks Tony Carr etc…

2-2 v Leicester City (h) 18th March 2005
by East Stand Martin

What a breath of fresh air this lad is during these troubled times. Full of energy and determination - as you would perhaps expect from a fresh-faced newcomer to the first team - but hugely encouraging nonetheless. And he's clearly better than Roy Keane ...

1-1 v Crewe Alexandra (h) 15th March 2005
by East Stand Martin

A hell of a lot of hard work and obvious enthusiasm marred only by a tendency to chose the wrong option when well-placed to score. It’s a measure of how he has developed this season to realise how much we missed him when he was injured recently.

1-1 v Crewe Alexandra (h) 15th March 2005
by Gordon Thrower

A hell of a lot of hard work and obvious enthusiasm marred only by a tendency to chose the wrong option when well-placed to score. It’s a measure of how he has developed this season to realise how much we missed him when he was injured recently.

1-3 v Reading (a) 12th March 2005
by East Stand Martin

Tried hard enough but on a day like this he had little support from his colleagues.

1-3 v Reading (a) 12th March 2005
by Gordon Thrower

Tried hard enough but on a day like this he had little support from his colleagues.

5-0 v Plymouth Argyle (h) 20th February 2005
by Gordon Thrower

Bossed the first half and his hard work provided the foundation on which the team’s overall performance was based. Always wanting the ball, always looking to be creative it was noticeable that the performance dipped for a few minutes after his unfortunate early substitution.

5-0 v Plymouth Argyle (h) 20th February 2005
by East Stand Martin

Good again...was he injured?

1-1 v Sheffield United (a) 13th February 2005
by East Stand Martin

Like his fellow midfielders he wilted under the early onslaught but he kept plugging away and became probably our most effective midfielder.

1-1 v Sheffield United (a) 13th February 2005
by Gordon Thrower

Like his fellow midfielders he wilted under the early onslaught but he kept plugging away and became probably our most effective midfielder.

1-1 v Sheffield United (a) 13th February 2005
by Northern Paul

Comments to follow.

1-0 v Cardiff City (h) 7th February 2005
by Gordon Thrower

Continues to improve making it difficult for the manager to leave him out once a full squad is available.

1-0 v Cardiff City (h) 7th February 2005
by Wycombe Wicks

My man of the match. This guy looks like he’ll be a star. His tackling was great.

1-0 v Cardiff City (h) 7th February 2005
by Chris Scull

Comments to follow.

1-1 v Sheffield United (h) 29th January 2005
by East Stand Martin

Solid, if not as eye-catching as he has been of late.

1-1 v Sheffield United (h) 29th January 2005
by Gordon Thrower

Solid, if not as eye-catching as he has been of late.

1-1 v Sheffield United (h) 29th January 2005
by Chris Scull

Comments to follow.

1-2 v Derby County (h) 23rd January 2005
by Gordon Thrower

(Replaced Williams, 7) One of the brighter spots of the afternoon. Probably the only player capable of taking on the opposition and not afraid to have a shot. Not the finished article by any means – he gave the ball away in a dangerous position that nearly led to a goal – but nevertheless he has had a very promising start last few weeks.

1-2 v Derby County (h) 23rd January 2005
by East Stand Martin

(Replaced Williams, 7) One of the brighter spots of the afternoon. Probably the only player capable of taking on the opposition and not afraid to have a shot. Not the finished article by any means – he gave the ball away in a dangerous position that nearly led to a goal – but nevertheless he has had a very promising start last few weeks.

2-4 v Wolves (a) 15th January 2005
by East Stand Martin

Got through a lot of hard work though seemed a bit tentative and nervous at times. Distribution needs a bit of work.

2-4 v Wolves (a) 15th January 2005
by Sean Newman

Great game for the youngster, always liking to put his foot in against Ince. Could be a crowd favourite if he continues to put performances in like that.

2-4 v Wolves (a) 15th January 2005
by Gordon Thrower

Got through a lot of hard work though seemed a bit tentative and nervous at times. Distribution needs a bit of work.

1-0 v Norwich City (h) 8th January 2005
by Gordon Thrower

It took a few minutes for the youngster to get the pace of the match but once he had done so he had a fine game. At times it was hard to believe that he is only 17 and it was a first full 90 minutes of which he can be proud.

0-1 v Chelsea (a) 27th October 2004
by Gordon Thrower

(Replaced Nowland, 65) Picked up from where Nowland left off in the middle. Got into a good position but sliced horribly wide – but didn't hide afterwards.

0-1 v Chelsea (a) 27th October 2004
by East Stand Martin

(Replaced Nowland, 65) Picked up from where Nowland left off in the middle. Got into a good position but sliced horribly wide – but didn't hide afterwards.

2-0 v Southend United (h) 24th August 2004
by East Stand Martin

(Replaced Chadwick, 68) Another player who, on his debut, failed to make an impact. Still could have scored had Harewood set him up late on in the game - but Marlon took the greedy option and scored.

2-0 v Southend United (h) 24th August 2004
by Gordon Thrower

(Replaced Chadwick, 68) Got stuck in a few times without really stamping any authority on the game.