The word legend gets thrown around a lot, but Mark Noble is no doubt deserving of that status.
The now 35-year-old joined the Hammers in 2004 as a teenager, and has since made an astounding 549 appearances for the club.
He made his West Ham debut against Southend United in the League Cup in August 2004.
Since then he has been through many highs and lows with his club. They have won two Championship play-off finals, as well as being relegated from the top-flight in 2011.
The Irons have also enjoyed European Campaigns from when Noble took over the captaincy from Kevin Nolan in 2015.
This year has been particularly special, with the Hammers making it all the way to the semi-final, narrowly losing out to Frankfurt.
After 18 loyal years, Mark Noble gets emotional during his farewell home match for West Ham 🥺 pic.twitter.com/1ZWXzt0sGm
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) May 15, 2022
Yesterday he waved goodbye to his home fans at the London Stadium, after a very entertaining 2-2 draw with league leaders Manchester City.
He was clearly very overwhelmed by the ovation he received both after the match and during the 16th minute, when there was a minute’s applause for their number 16.
West Ham season ticket holder Jack Hobbs was one of those at the game, “We could not be more grateful to Noble for what he has done for us. You just don’t get players like him anymore, and I wish him all the best in whatever he chooses to do next.”
Longest Serving Players for Each Premier League Club
Noble’s achievement only becomes more impressive when you compare it to other club’s longest serving players. No player comes within four years of Noble’s tenure at West Ham.
Arsenal
Hector Bellerin (Joined July 2012) – Despite being Arsenal’s current longest serving player Bellerin has had a tricky time at the Emirates. The right-back is currently on loan at Real Betis.
Aston Villa
Jed Steer (Joined July 2013) – This is almost unbelievable when you consider that Steer has only made 35 appearances for the club. He is currently on his fifth loan spell since joining the Villains at play-off hopefuls Luton Town.
Brentford
Rico Henry (Joined August 2016) – Henry has been a pivotal part of the Bees’ promotion push to the Premier League in his six years at the cub.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Lewis Dunk (Joined April 2010) – Dunk joined the Seagulls when they were in League One, two promotions later and he is still there as club captain.
Burnley
Kevin Long (Joined January 2010) – Long has spent much of his tenure at the Clarets on loan, but did play the full 90 minutes in a defeat to Tottenham yesterday.
Chelsea
Cesar Azpilicueta (Joined August 2012) – The Spaniard has led the Blues to multiple silverware, including two Premier League titles and a Champions League.
Crystal Palace
Martin Kelly (Joined August 2014) – The centre back has made over 100 appearances for the Eagles, but recently has spent most of his time on the bench or in the reserves.
Everton
Seamus Coleman (Joined January 2009) – The Irishman is the closest thing to Noble, making 368 appearances for the Toffees.
Leeds United
Kalvin Phillips (Joined 2014) – Phillips actually started his time at his home club in 2010 through the academy, and since then has gone from strength to strength. He was a key part of England’s run to the Euro 2020 final, hence being named England men’s player of the year in 2021.
Leicester City
Kasper Schmeichel (Joined June 2011) – The goalkeeper has followed in the footsteps of his father, and is a formidable presence in the Leicester goal. He was also part of that title winning side in the 2015/16 season.
Liverpool
Jordan Henderson (Joined 2011) – Henderson has won pretty much everything on offer as Reds Captain, with the most recent FA Cup completing the set.
Manchester City
Fernandinho (Joined July 2013) – The Brazilian has been the core of that Manchester City side for the last nine years, but it has been announced that he will be leaving at the end of the season.
Manchester United
Phil Jones (Joined June 2011) – One of the only remaining members of Sir Alex Ferguson’s last title winning side has had a tough time at the Red Devils, making only two starts this season.
Newcastle United
Paul Dummett (Joined July 2010) – He may be the longest serving member of the Newcastle squad, but the Welsh defender spends most of his time watching on the sidelines.
Norwich City
Michael McGovern (Joined July 2016) – McGovern is another of those that has not got much of a look in. These days Angus Gunn and Tim Krul are the preferred goalkeepers for the Canaries.
Southampton
Jack Stephens (Joined April 2011) – An established player in the Saints ranks, but is used more as a cup player these days.
Tottenham Hotspur
Harry Kane (Joined July 2010) – Tottenham’s second highest all-time goal scorer will surely have his eyes on surpassing Jimmy Greaves’ 266 goals for the club.
Watford
Craig Cathcart (Joined July 2014) – A trusted centre-back for the Hornets, but appears that he is nearing the end of his respectable career.
West Ham United
Mark Noble (Joined August 2004) – Obviously.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Conor Coady (Joined July 2015) – The now captain of Wolves has guided the club back to being a stable team in the top flight, as well as a couple of seasons in Europe.
