Green Street Hammers
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West Ham need to move past Mark Noble

By Scott Johnson

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Aaron Cresswell and Mark Noble of West Ham United (L) appeal as Joshua King of AFC Bournemouth scores their second goal during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and West Ham United at Vitality Stadium on March 11, 2017 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Aaron Cresswell and Mark Noble of West Ham United (L) appeal as Joshua King of AFC Bournemouth scores their second goal during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and West Ham United at Vitality Stadium on March 11, 2017 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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He’s been a centerpiece at West Ham for many years now. But to grow the club needs to move past Mark Noble.

There are many turning points in both a club’s and a player’s career. It might come in the form of a big offer for a star man from another club, or a new manager who makes radical decisions based on his prior knowledge which can mean former favourites are resigned to the reserves. Mark Noble and West Ham are facing a big decision.

At this point in the development of the club, it is important to be moving forward. A new stadium, a relatively new manager and a whole host of possibilities going forward. But when the club lets sentiment get in the way it can be at the detriment to the league position.

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Head over Heart?

Now a lot of fans will be saying, but this is what makes us the club we are. There was always a focus on local talent and because of that he needs to stay. For me that is a poor argument when boiling down to basics.

The aim of the football club is to try and win the Premier League. The club itself has a huge tradition of using British players, and it still has that focus. But if it comes down to sacrificing a home player for one who is better then I do not understand the delay.

In terms of keeping the number of British players in the side then I think West Ham are doing a better job than almost any club in the league when considering talent. The youth team is bursting with British players who will hopefully come through in the next season or two.

Mark Noble is a fan of the club, but that shouldn’t give him special status. His performances have not been up to scratch of late and that should mean he is dropped. A midfield of Obiang and Kouyate will give a lot more protection to the back line and aid to the attacks.

Next: 6 Talking points from Bournemouth clash

Those who are advocating Noble playing in the first XI are not looking at the football being played. I’d love to have fans playing in every position, but that won’t win matches. Moving up the table should be the first priority.