Daily WHUFC News - 29th March 2016

West Ham United 6-5 West Ham United All-Stars
WHUFC.com

Mark Noble Testimonial

Mark Noble enjoyed one of the greatest days of his career as a sell-out crowd saw West Ham United beat a West Ham All-Star squad 6-5 in a thrilling Testmonial match at the Boleyn Ground. It was an occasion to remember for Noble and his family as he celebrated an unforgettable career at the Hammers dating back 12 years – with all the proceeds being split between charities DT38 Foundation, Richard House Children's Hospice and Help for Heroes. The 35,036 fans who turned out to honour their Canning Town-born hero were treated to eleven goals, including a sensational overhead kick from Dean Ashton and strikes from Noble himself, Paolo Di Canio and even goalkeeper Adrian! The All-Stars opened the scoring on 13 minutes when Jack Collison played the ball into Craig Bellamy and he fired a clinical finish high into the net. Noble, who had been denied by David James just moments before, got his name on the scoresheet on 25 minutes when he weaved his way into the penalty area tucked home. One of the most amusing parts of an entertaining afternoon soon followed on 27 minutes when Adrian ran the length of the field – aided by a team of blockers – and fired the ball past a helpful James. The No13 was mobbed by his team-mates and the members of the All-Stars on a day when smiles were more important than victories.

West Ham made it three on 36 minutes when Manuel Lanzini played Alex Song through on goal and he made no mistake with a rare goal. Noble could have added his second of the game on 40 minutes when a great West Ham move ended with the skipper curling against the base of the post. The captain turned provider on 43 minutes as he raced to the byline and cut the ball across for Diafra Sakho to score from six yards.

The All-Stars pulled a goal back on 47 minutes when Marlon Harewood burst clear down the right and crossed in for Ashton. The forward was denied by Raphael Spiegel – who also made fine saves from Bellamy and Ashton – but Teddy Sheringham followed up to score. West Ham made it five when Marcus Browne's cross fell to Sakho and he fired the ball past Walker. The scorer then pulled a mobile phone out of his shorts and entertained the crowd by taking a selfie with Browne, Song and goalkeeper Jimmy Walker!

After the unfortunate Harewood was denied by an offside flag, the goal of the day arrived on 75 minutes as Ian Bishop played the ball in for Ashton to launch himself into the air and arrow a scissor-kick into the bottom left-hand corner of Spiegel's net. The England man added a second from Kevin Keen's cross a minute later to make it 5-4, before Di Canio made the crowd even happier by racing past Chris Powell and beating Walker with a low shot. As time ran out, substitute Taylor Tombides paid the ultimate tribute to his older brother Dylan when he also got on the scoresheet with a clever chip over the goalkeeper.

The game then finished with a penalty shoot-out, which ebbed and flowed before finishing deadlocked at 7-7. Highlights included Adrian blasting his spot-kick high into the stand after ripping off his gloves, Ludek Miklosko saving from Di Canio and Noble's old friend Robert Hatton saving no fewer than three penalties! All in all, it was a fantastic day to be part of the West Ham family, and surely one that Noble and his family will never forget.

West Ham United: Adrian (Spiegel 29, Hatton 76), O'Brien, Tomkins (Pike 46), Reid (A Ferdinand 65, Dobson 85), Cresswell (Dobson 58, Collins 81), Song (Short 76), Obiang (Noble 65), Noble (Browne 46), Lanzini (Di Canio 65), Antonio (Sinclair 65), Emenike (Sakho 22, Diangana 58, Carroll 81)

West Ham United All-Stars: (First Half) James, Ward (Dailly 15), R Ferdinand, A Ferdinand, Dicks (Gabbidon 15), Downing (Sinclair 15), Collison, Parker (Di Canio 15), Benayoun, Bellamy, C Cole

West Ham United All-Stars: (Second Half) Walker (Miklosko 81), Lomas (Powell 58), Dailly, Upson (Blewitt 65), Gabbidon (Keen 65), Bowyer (Cohen 77), Collison (Moncur 51, Bishop 65), Harewood, Etherington, Sheringham, Ashton (Tombides 77)

Referee: Andre Marriner (West Midlands)
Attendance: 35,036

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Noble - It couldn't have gone any better
WHUFC.com

Mark Noble paid a heartfelt thanks to supporters and players alike after his emotional Testimonial at the Boleyn Ground on Monday saw a West Ham XI beat West Ham's All-Stars 6-5. The Hammers' long-serving midfielder said the day had gone exactly as he had dreamt it, with a long list of legendary West Ham names treating a full house to an unforgettable afternoon. And while Dean Ashton's stunning scissor kick will live long in the memory, Noble was simply overwhelmed by the show of support from all quarters. He told West Ham TV: "I managed to keep myself together, especially when I walked out with the kids, it was amazing. "To be honest there are no words to describe how thankful I am of the fans. I know there were a lot of travel issues, the weather, everything seemed to try and get in the way, but the weather turned out perfect and I think you can tell the lads had a great time. "The response I've had [from players] has been phenomenal. To be honest I don't really know how to thank them. The only way I can thank them is by going to win the FA Cup, which would be nice. It's been a great day for everyone. I'm going to sleep well tonight!"

And what of the loyal Claret and Blue faithful, who turned out in force for Mr West Ham himself and were treated to an Ashton spectacular, not to mention a solo effort from a certain Paolo Di Canio. "They're the best, for sure," he said. "36,000 for a Testimonial, it couldn't have gone any better. "Ashton scored one similar against United, but just the players we've had here, the goals they've scored, the penalties at the end. It's the exact day I wanted, just a laugh with the crowd, a bit of fun, a day for them as well to say thank you for the support they've given us all over the years. "There's been a lot, a lot of work that's gone into this, a lot of hard work, a lot of help from friends and family and especially the people at the Club. I can't thank every one of them individually but if I could, I would."

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Ashton revels in special goal
WHUFC.com

Having marked his return to the Boleyn Ground with arguably his best goal in a West Ham shirt, striker Dean Ashton described his delight at being able to mark such a special occasion with just as special a strike. The former England international reeled back the years with a sumptuous overhead kick from John Bishop's floated cross. Just minutes later, Ashton netted his second of the game to cap off a memorable day at the Boleyn Ground to celebrate Mark Noble's testimonial. Speaking to WHTV after the game, Ashton said: "It was like I was 23 years old again, I don't know what I was doing! To be able to play here again, in front of a full stadium and be able to score a goal like that means so much to me. "Now that we're leaving; if that's my last ever goal at Upton Park, what a goal to finish on. "It was just one of those instincts. John Bishop dinked a lovely little ball over and it was pure instinct really, I've done that in the past, now the only problem is how much that'll hurt tomorrow!
"Today's goal was up there with the scissor kick at Old Trafford, obviously a different occasion but in some ways just as special."

While the former Hammer had every right to be proud of his outstanding effort, Ashton continued to describe how happy he was for his former teammate Mark Noble. He continued: "It was an absolutely amazing turnout, and you know what, Nobes deserves it after all he's done for the club.
"Not only he is a fantastic football player but he's given a hell of a lot to the club, and he's a top bloke. I don't know anyone who doesn't get on with him. The thing that he shows most is his passion and that is what this club is all about. He's shown that in abundance as well as a touch of class."

Alongside Ashton, there was plenty of familiar faces, both old and new who made a triumphant return, including the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Paolo Di Canio and Ludo Miklosko, as well as many, many more. Reflecting on the special event, in the midst of special events to mark the final season at the Boleyn Ground, Ashton reflected: "Everyone wanted to come back today, to have that one last chance to play here at Upton Park, in front of a full house was just amazing. "There was some serious players out there today, Di Canio, Ferdinand and others, there was a lot! To see Nobes climb those stairs at Wembley would absolutely be the best send off for West Ham possible and I really hope it happens. "That last game is really going to be unbelievable. Any games under the lights here is, but the last one ever, I'm sure there's going to be plenty of tears, that's for sure."

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Arsenal ticket ballot completed
WHUFC.com

The ballot for tickets for the Barclays Premier League visit of Arsenal on Saturday 9 April has been completed. All successful applicants have been informed by email, with applications from Academy and Youth Academy Members exceeding the number of available tickets. A ballot process will also be used to allocate tickets for the final two Boleyn Ground games against Swansea City and Manchester United. Details on the ballots for these games will appear on whufc.com.

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Noble thanks fans for 'fantastic' day
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th March 2016
By: Staff Writer

Mark Noble has thanked the 35,000 supporters who defied travel problems to attend his testimonial this afternoon. A Noble-led West Ham squad beat an All Stars XI 6-5 in a thrilling affair at the Boleyn Ground before going on to draw a penalty shoot-out 7-7 in front of a full house in Upton Park. And the midfielder was hugely grateful to the fans who turned up, thousands of whom had longer journeys than usual due to problems with the Tube. "It was fantastic. The weather, everything just turned out perfectly today and I'm overwhelmed by it," Noble told BT Sport. "Some of the goals that were scored were great and it was a great day for everyone. Some of the boys haven't played here for a long time and you can tell they thoroughly enjoyed it! "I was sitting indoors over the weekend and it was a bit strange as there was no football on. With the weather, the trains and everything else to get 35,000 here was just unbelievable and I'm just grateful to everyone who came."

Thoroughly enjoyed that today. A big thank you to @Noble16Mark for inviting me down to celebrate with the Hammers Family. Lifted my spirits!
— Carlton Cole (@CarltonCole1) March 28, 2016

One of the goals of the day was scored by Taylor Tombides, the brother of Dylan who passed away from cancer in 2014. The DT38 Foundation, which was founded in Dylan's honour was one of three charities to benefit from the proceeds of today's game (along with Help for Heroes and Richard House Children's Hospice) and Noble admitted that he was delighted when Taylor found the net late on in the match.

"It couldn't have gone any better, Taylor going one-on-one and chipping the goalie like he did," he said. "I think everyone stood up on their feet and applauded. It means a lot to him and his family and that's why I chose the DT38 Foundation as one of the causes."

Here it is! Dean Ashton's unbelievable overhead kick from Mark Noble's testimonial. 👊 #MN16 #WHUFC https://t.co/oOvwrAktZr
— BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) March 28, 2016

The best goal of the day was an overhead kick by Noble's former team mate Dean Ashton, who was forced to retire from the game in 2009 after a long battle against injury, And the fact that the former England international had added a little 'timber' since his days as a pro didn't go unnoticed by Noble. "I don't think the groundsman is going to be happy as there's a big dent in the floor!" he quipped.

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West Ham Utd 6-5 All Stars (7-7 on pens)
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th March 2016
By: Staff Writer

The sun and the stars came out for Mark Noble's testimonial at the Boleyn Ground this afternoon. Noble, who is celebrating ten years as a pro led his side, consisting mostly of current players to a thrilling 6-5 win over an All Stars team that included the likes of Paolo Di Canio and Dean Ashton at the Boleyn Ground this afternoon. And there was plenty of entertainment on offer for the fans who filled the Boleyn Ground, despite the travel issues that led to longer journeys than normal for many travelling from Essex.
Noble, Paolo Di Canio and most notably Dean Ashton - who scored with an overhead kick in front of the Trevor Brooking Stand - all registered on the score sheet as the goals flowed. And despite ending up on the losing side after 90 minutes, the All Stars - for whom Craig Bellamy, Teddy Sheringham and Taylor Tombides also scored - were still able to celebrate some success as they went on to draw the ensuing penalty shoot out 7-7.

Goals
West Ham Utd: Noble, Adrian, Song, Sakho (2), Di Canio).
West Ham All Stars: Bellamy, Sheringham, Ashton (2), Tombides.

Penalties
West Ham Utd (7/11): Noble - Miklosko; Song - Miklosko (saved); Antonio - Walker; Di Canio - Miklosko; Sinclair - Miklosko; Reid - Miklosko; Cresswell - Walker (missed); Short - James (missed); Taylor - Miklosko; Browne - Walker; Adrian - Walker ( missed).

West Ham All Stars (7/11): Ashton - Adrian; Harewood - Rob Hatton (saved); Blewitt - Adrian; Tombides - Hatton (saved); Upson - Adrian; Dailly - Hatton; Powell - Adrian; Cohen - Hatton (saved); Sears - Adrian (saved); Bowyer - Hatton; Walker - Miklosko.

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West Ham captain Mark Noble scores in testimonial match
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 28/03/16 7:17pm
SSN

Mark Noble scored to help a West Ham XI claim an entertaining 6-5 victory over a West Ham All-Stars team in his testimonial match at a sold-out Boleyn Ground. The West Ham captain, accompanied by his two children, was met by a guard of honour as he made his way out onto the pitch in the last ever testimonial match to be played at the Boleyn Ground before the club's move to the Olympic Stadium. Noble, a product of the famous West Ham academy, has made over 350 appearances for the club since making his senior debut in 2004 and was given a standing ovation by the 35,000-strong Hammers faithful and a further guard of honour by both sets of players at the final whistle. The All-Stars side, that included former Hammers David James, Rio Ferdinand, Paolo Di Canio and Trevor Sinclair, took the lead in the 13th minute when Craig Bellamy fired past Adrian from just inside the penalty area. Noble, having earlier been denied by a fine save from James, capped his day off with a goal, levelling up the scores in the 25th minute after exchanging passes with Diafra Sakho.

West Ham goalkeeper Adrian then gave his side the lead in the 27th minute after being allowed to dribble the ball the length of the field, with the protection of Michail Antonio, before finishing past James. Alex Song added a third in the 36th minute before Sakho got his name on the scoresheet, tapping home a Noble cross from close range a minute before half-time. Noble made way at the break as both sides rung the changes, with the All-Stars fielding a completely different XI for the second-half. Teddy Sheringham reduced the deficit for the All-Stars shortly after the interval, but Sakho restored West Ham's three goal advantage and celebrated by taking a selfie with his team-mates and All-Stars goalkeeper Jimmy Walker.

Noble returned to the field in the 70th minute, replacing Joey O'Brien, and was quick to congratulate Dean Ashton just moments later after the All-Stars forward scored a sensational scissor kick to make it 5-3. Ashton grabbed his second of the match in the 76th minute before Di Canio, playing for the West Ham XI in the second-half, made it 6-4 two minutes later, steering his shot beyond Walker much to the delight of the Boleyn Ground faithful. Taylor Tombides, the brother of the late West Ham forward Dylan, scored the final goal of the match in the 86th minute and his strike received a standing ovation from the Hammers supporters.

Despite the scoreline, the sides then took part in a penalty shoot-out with Noble tucking his spot-kick beyond Walker. After 22 spot-kicks and with the sides locked at 7-7, referee Andre Marriner called time on the match, although the scoreline mattered little as the West Ham fans once again showed their appreciation for their long-serving midfielder at the final whistle.

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England selection unfair to likes of West Ham duo Mark Noble and Aaron Cresswell says Matt Le Tissier
22:30, 28 MAR 2016 UPDATED 22:45, 28 MAR 2016
BY MIKE WALTERS
Southampton legend annoyed that players who aren't first-team regulars at top clubs get the nod at the expense of men doing it week in, week out elsewhere
The Mirror

Matt Le Tissier claims West Ham duo Mark Noble and Aaron Cresswell are victims of Roy Hodgson's favouritism towards 'big' clubs. England coach Hodgson was curiously dismissive of Noble's international claims last week. But Le Tissier – no stranger to being overlooked himself when international caps were being handed out in the 1990s – believes midfielder Noble's lack of reward for a decade of consistency at Upton Park has been "unfair."
Criticism of Hodgson may be out of kilter with England's stunning fightback in Berlin at the weekend, but his line-up against Holland on Tuesday is likely to include players who are not even current first-choice picks at their clubs. And Le Tissier said: "History tells you that if you are playing for a big club, you've got much more chance of being in an England squad. In all fairness to Roy, that's not a criticism you can level just at him. "I can understand Roy being loyal to his players, but you can be sat on the bench at a big club every week and get in before someone who is playing every week at a so-called lesser team, and I think that's something that needs to be addressed. "It's not just frustrating if you're a player tyring to force your way in – I find it frustrating as a fan when it seems unfair. One of my big bugbears in life is unfairness and sometimes you look at it and think, 'Come on – that can't be right.' "Just because certain players are earning more money at a bigger club doesn't necessarily make them better footballers than another guy who's playing well every week in the same position. "Everyone should be judged on what they produce every Saturday, and if a guy's not playing every week, how can you judge him? "You can't accurately measure his form if he's only coming on for 15 or 20 minutes, when other players might be tiring. It's not a real form guide. "One player who has impressed me every time I've watched him this season is Aaron Cresswell at West Ham. "For me, we have missed an opportunity to have a look at another left-back and Cresswell has performed well for West Ham. Danny Rose has done well for Tottenham but he doesn't play every week and it's harsh that Cresswell has missed out again."And we seem to have been talking about Mark Noble getting an international call-up for a long time now. "You look at some of the midfielders who have played for England over the last few years and think. 'Blimey, how has he won a cap and yet Noble, who has been so consistent over a long period of time, has got no caps whatsoever?' "That's an example of the unfairness I was talking about earlier. You wonder, 'How does that work, then?' "It would be nice to get an answer from somebody to explain why Danny Drinkwater, who has been fantastic for Leicester, gets a deserved call-up after one good season in the Premier League, and yet Noble – who's been doing it for a long time and is also having a very good season – still can't get a look-in. "I would love to know the answers, which we never seem to get out of anybody."

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West Ham would 'love to sign' Zlatan Ibrahimovic, admits co-owner David Sullivan
21:52, 28 MAR 2016 UPDATED 21:52, 28 MAR 2016
BY LIAM PRENDERVILLE
The Swede has revealed he has offers from the Premier League with West Ham set to make a big-name striker their summer priority
The Mirror

Sweden's forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic attends a training session on the eve of the friendly football match between Sweden and Czech Republic Ibrahimovic has revealed he has offers from the Premier League West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has revealed the club are interested in signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic this summer. The Swedish striker's deal with PSG expires at the end of the season and he is expected to depart the French capital. He has claimed he has received offers from the Premier League with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United all linked with a move. And Sullivan insists West Ham will make a play for his signature with Ibrahimovic leading a detailed striker shortlist. "We have a list of about ten strikers all over Europe, and most of our money will go into signing a striker," he told talkSPORT. "That is the plan for next season. I'd love Ibrahimovic from PSG, but whether he'd come to us I don't know. "I know he's 34 but he's a fantastic player." Sullivan added: "There are a number of top Premier League players we may be bidding for, top goalscorers, but I can't name them. I can't comment on players from other teams. "The squad we have at West Ham now is the best we've had in six years, by a long, long way. We will be adding to that squad in the summer and hopefully we'll be a bit better next year."
Sullivan's comments came after Ibrahimovic admitted he was considering offers from England. "Yes, there is interest from the Premier League, I can confirm that," he said. "The Premier League is the league in the world all people and fans speak about. "A lot of things have to feel fine when I'm going to take a decision this summer."

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7 reasons West Ham legend Mark Noble's testimonial was the greatest testimonial that ever happened
16:33, 28 MAR 2016 UPDATED 17:39, 28 MAR 2016
BY JIM DALY
The Hammers stalwart celebrated 12 years at the club with an action packed game where quite literally everything happened
The Mirror

Not many players get a testimonial, but when they do they are often loads of fun . And when West Ham stalwart Mark Noble celebrated his 12 years a the club with a game against an All-star selection quite literally everything happened. The midfielder has racked up 352 appearances for West Ham and celebrated with a game between his current Hammers teammates and a bunch of the East End club's All-stars. The likes of David James, Scott Parker, Teddy Sheringham, Trevor Sinclair, Dean Ashton, Craig Bellamy, Paolo Di Canio, Carlton Cole, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick all took part. And in the end the match - shown live on BT Sport - had EVERYTHING. Which is why it was probably the best ever testimonial that's ever happened. Her are 7 reasons that's the case:

7. Rio allowing Noble to score

In the true spirit of the day Rio Ferdinand literally stepped out the way to allow Noble to score early on.

6. Adrian runs the full length of the pitch to score
Yep. Really.

5. Dean Ashton scores an overhead
Remember him?

4. Sakho celebrated with a selfie
Including the keeper he's literally just scored against

3. The match went to penalties
Even though it actually ended 6-5 to the West Ham first team and they tried SO HARD to allow Marlon Harewood to equalise but he kept missing.
And during that shootout there were plenty of hilarious misses (including from Harewood, obvs)

2. Tombides' goal
Young Taylor Tombides scored a lovely dinked effort and paid tribute to his late brother Dylan.

1. And yet after all this, STILL no-one wants Noble in the England squad

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Thanks Mark but this moment topped all
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 28, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

It was an afternoon of pure joy …a Family Affair and wherever we watched it we were all involved in a wonderful party for a fabulous bloke. Dean Ashton almost stole the day and his incredible overhead goal is already trending on Twitter, PDC scored, Mark grabbed his own and pantomime villain David James played the crowd to the hilt whilst, Adrian 'beat' player after player to score ! All of these and many more events on a fun filled afternoon brought smiles, elation, suspended belief (the Deano goal) and a range of emotions some of us didn't even know we possessed.

But there was one moment above all others that showed West Ham THE FAMILY of those present and DEPARTED! It came when Dylan Tombides' brother Taylor burst forward and chipped in a magnificent effort – a strike of the highest quality at any level of the game.. He immediately looked upwards and pointed to the heavens dedicating his goal to a sibling brother who had died far too young. DYLAN HAD BEEN REMEMBERED ON THIS VERY SPECIAL DAY.

I thank Mark Noble for bringing so many former heroes back together, I thank him for the fun and entertainment, I thank him for his ongoing contribution to the Hammers cause and his dedication to our great club. But I was so glad that Dylan was remembered on a day that will live long in our memories. A young man who died far far too young was given his place this afternoon by a brother who made no secret of what that goal meant to him and his family. A great day – a truly great day.

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Bish thrilled to be back with his Irons family
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 28, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
EXCLUSIVE

Ian Bishop was thrilled to provide the assist for goal of the season qualifier from Dean Ashton in Mark Noble's fabulous testimonial this afternoon (Mon).

The great former midfielder was the oldest player on the pitch at 50 but barely looked a day older than when he was in his Hammers pomp.

And speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh as he and the legends enjoyed a few bevvies after the game he said: "To play my part in a goal like that was a thrill -what a screamer that was. Good on the old boy."

Bish came on halfway through the second half defying the years with his physical shape and ability after flying in from his American home.

And he said: "It was the biggest crowd I've ever played in front of at the Boleyn because the capacity has been increased since my playing days. It was a beautiful afternoon and had a bit of everything – fun, emotion – it was all there.

"But Upton Park is all about the fans and they don't change as the years go by. They are as passionate now as they were in my day. What a bunch they are.

"Wherever you live – and I'm miles away and wherever you watch West Ham is family. Always has been – always will be and it was a pleasure and privilege to play out there for Mark today. It was great and he's a fabulous fella."

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Gold: "It was another golden Boleyn day"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 28, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Exclusive

David Gold summed it up perfectly when declaring: "Mark Noble's testimonial transcended football – it was a wonderful day out for players old and new, their families and the fans. it was magical."

As another landmark event in the history of the Boleyn this was another classic as the players old and new took us on a magical mystery tour.

Sakho took selfies after scoring, Adrian notched with a run from one end of the pitch to the other plus the Dylan Tombides memorial goal from his brother Taylor.

And Gold – speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh – said: "It was a fabulous day. It was all about West Ham the family. And there was great fun and emotion inside the ground- the atmosphere was fantastic.

"With only Hammers fans inside the ground the banter was great and it was wonderful for me too as a fan seeing former heroes and meeting some, like Ian Bishop, for the first time. It was a great day.

"In our last season it is another game for the fans to remember – the Boleyn has done really well in her last season to have so many great moments.

"And it was all for one of our best loved players, Mark Noble. It was another golden Boleyn day – totally memorable."

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Noble's perfect "thank you" to fans
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 28, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H

Mark Noble has spoken about his perfect day and his deep rooted affection for the fans after a brilliant testi monial event. Speaking to West Ham TV he said: "To be honest there are no words to describe how thankful I am of the fans. I know there were a lot of travel issues, the weather, everything seemed to try and get in the way, but the weather turned out perfect and I think you can tell the lads had a great time. "The response I've had [from players] has been phenomenal. To be honest I don't really know how to thank them. The only way I can thank them is by going to win the FA Cup, which would be nice. It's been a great day for everyone. I'm going to sleep well tonight!" And of the fans he said: "They're the best, for sure – 36,000 for a Testimonial, it couldn't have gone any better. "Ashton scored one similar against United, but just the players we've had here, the goals they've scored, the penalties at the end. It's the exact day I wanted, just a laugh with the crowd, a bit of fun, a day for them as well to say thank you for the support they've given us all over the years. "There's been a lot, a lot of work that's gone into this, a lot of hard work, a lot of help from friends and family and especially the people at the Club. I can't thank every one of them individually but if I could, I would."

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