Mark can make Hammers history

MARK NOBLE has been urged to lead West Ham to more milestones if he wants to join the club’s Hall of Fame.

The club paid tribute to legendary former skipper Billy Bonds this week by naming a stand at the London Stadium in his honour.

Bonds played 799 games for West Ham but Noble passed ‘only’ 450 last December.

The Canning Town-born 31-year-old has held down his place under a succession of bosses for more than 10 years. Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini, whose side go to Crystal Palace today, said: “Mark must be focused on the next year, to continue to win and improving what he has done for this club.

“He has done a lot of things but he is just 31 and has a lot more history to write.

“That’s why he is one of the most important players along with Trevor Brooking and Bobby Moore.

“Important players and experienced players know this profession and are always helping everyone – managers, the dressing room – that’s why they are leaders.

“In this squad we have three or four players that are the same and as a manager you learn from all your players.

“After that the leaders in the squad have the responsibility to direct young players in the same way.

“I don’t think that you could compare Mark and Billy Bonds. Mark made his complete career at West Ham and probably he will finish here also. After he retires the club must decide what he deserves – but in the history of West Ham Mark will be an important player also.

“I never like comparing because they are different years, different club, different season. Just as you cannot compare Pele with Maradona with Messi in international football.”

Striker Marko Arnautovic is over a foot injury and should face Palace, with West Ham looking to follow up their 1-1 draw against Liverpool.