Mark Noble has nothing but praise for the impact that James Collins has had at West Ham United and joked that London has now changed him for all the right reasons.
Collins is celebrating a memorable milestone after he first joined the Club ten-years ago to the day.
The Wales international has become a fans favourite and after being nicknamed the 'ginger Pele', Collins has become a crucial member of the West Ham defence.
Noble will never forget the first day that Collins arrived at the Club's training ground and says he has become a changed man both on and off the pitch.
Noble said: “I knew Ginge when he came here from Cardiff. He had a terrible big ginger barnet and wore horrendous clothes! But London changed him in a year. He had all the new gear on and a new haircut!
“I can't speak highly enough of him. We get on so well and everyone knows he gives everything in training and in games. He has been a great servant to the club.”
Noble and Collins are part of the squad that are currently out in Ireland and the West Ham United midfielder believes the whole squad will benefit from spending time together with new manager Slaven Bilic at the Club's training base in Cork.
The first-team players who were not involved in Thursday's Europa League victory over FC Lusitans are currently being put through their paces as they build up their fitness ahead of the new season.
Noble says this is always a crucial period for the players as they get to know how the new manager works and the systems he wants to put in place.
There have also been new additions to the backroom staff with Julian Dicks and Chris Woods joining Bilic during the summer and Noble can sense the excitement around the squad as they head into the new season.
Noble added: “It is nice to be back training and out on the pitch. We are still getting used to how Slaven works but nothing has changed dramatically yet and I am just enjoying getting fit again. Everyone needs to get used to how each other works.
“Everyone knows Julian and Woodsy and they are a great addition to the coaching staff. We are together for long periods and it is great to be back with the boys and back out on the pitch working again.”
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