Fans of West Ham United were left furious following some quotes made by James Collins on Hammers captain Mark Noble.
During an appearance on the Friday Football Social on 5 Live Sport, Collins stated that the players “would give their right arm for a bit of time off,” making a note that Noble was: “living under a cloud” – which had fans fuming.
James Collins: “I was down at West Ham's training ground on Thursday and they would give their right arm off for a bit of a time off. I was speaking to Mark Noble and he was like he's living under a cloud, just mentally, not even the football. The physical side of it." #WHUFC pic.twitter.com/r4YtiHePAf
— ? COYIrons ? (@COYIrons_com) February 10, 2020
Imagine how much rest they would need if they actually put some effort and work rate in
— Peter goulding ? (@Goulding1Peter) February 10, 2020
If it’s all too much for them they can join me on a building site 6 days a week ?
— Mark Staines (@MarkStaines01) February 10, 2020
Noble once again showing he’s not fit for the Captaincy
— Seb? (@SebServe) February 10, 2020
Is Mark Noble still at a good enough standard to be West Ham's captain next season?Yes, he absolutely leads by exampleNo, he needs to be replaced in summer |
The 36-year-old centre-back spent 10 years in total with the Hammers – initially between 2005 and 2009, before spending three years with Aston Villa and then returning to east London for six years until 2018 (as per Transfermarkt).
Noble has been with West Ham’s senior setup for 16 years (per Transfermarkt), having made 491 appearances, scoring 60 goals and assisting 59 (per Transfermarkt), however, fans were still furious with the 32-year-old.
Younger legs required
— malcolm robert brown (@malcolmrbrown53) February 10, 2020
Laughable
— mark (@sparky341) February 10, 2020
Pathetic.
Not what you’d expect to hear from the club captain.
He needs replacing badly next season whatever division we are in— Richard (@Richardod64) February 10, 2020
All this talk about Noble being knankered yet the premier league’s top scorer is 4 months older ?????
— sean smith (@seansmi3214635) February 10, 2020
What do we think?
While it seems like a number of supporters are unsympathetic to Noble’s situation, both sides to the argument have merit as, for the wages paid in football, it seems fair for fans to demand you to be at your best physically and give nothing less than 100%.
However, with the toxic atmosphere at West Ham currently (per The Guardian), it must be difficult to be constantly in the negative limelight while having to play at the highest level in English football and reaching the end of your peak years.