Gary Lineker has taken to Twitter to react after watching footage of Mark Noble and Ben Johnson at the West Ham end-of-season awards.
What’s the story?
Well, it was Noble’s last end-of-season awards as a player, with the 35-year-old set to retire once the campaign finishes.
It was an emotional night, one the West Ham No.16 will probably never forget as his teammates and coaches paid tribute to him.
During his time in east London, Noble has become known for sweeping the dressing room after full-time, as a show of respect to the opposition.
It seems his professionalism has rubbed off on his teammates, as the West Ham legend told a story from the 2-0 defeat to Brentford in April.
Noble said: “The truth is that I always do it. But there was a game I wasn’t at. Brentford away I wasn’t there, and I got a text message from Johnno about eight o’clock that night. He said: “Nobes, I was just about to walk out the changing room and I see your face in my brain, so I turned around and went and swept the changing room.” That made me incredibly proud because it’s something that I think is really important for the football club.”
After hearing that story, Lineker posted the following message on Twitter.
It’s not a lot, but nothing more needs to be said.
Clearly, Noble is the definition of a leader, with others following in his footsteps once a good example has been set.
West Ham can replace Mark Noble
When a legend like Noble leaves a football club, everyone questions how such an iconic figure can be replaced.
In truth, he and his 22 years of service can’t be replaced by just one person.
However, West Ham can replace Noble collectively, by doing things like what Johnson did after the 2-0 defeat to Brentford.
By adopting Noble’s little habits, the West Ham squad – and even David Moyes – can carry what he embodied into next season, even when the man himself won’t be present in training, nor in the dressing room.
Yes, Noble is leaving, but his values – such as sweeping the dressing room – do not need to leave the London Stadium as well.
Hopefully, Johnson takes up the role of dressing room sweeper on a full-time basis next season, with others stepping up to help.
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