Premier League

West Ham United: Fans fume over quotes from James Collins on Mark Noble

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Image for West Ham United: Fans fume over quotes from James Collins on Mark Noble

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.

Is Mark Noble still at a good enough standard to be West Ham's captain next season?

Yes, he absolutely leads by example

Yes, he absolutely leads by example

No, he needs to be replaced in summer

No, 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.

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.

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