If the chorus of ‘Bubbles’ that greets Mark Noble as he leads West Ham United out of the tunnel at London Stadium is louder than normal on Sunday afternoon, there is a good reason why.
For, it was 17 years ago this weekend that a 17-year-old Noble made his first start in a Hammers shirt in an FA Cup third round win over Norwich City at the Boleyn Ground.
Now 34 and in the 18th and final season of his illustrious career in Claret and Blue, the lifelong West Ham fan could lead his boyhood Club out to play in the world’s most-famous cup competition for the final time on home turf.
Whether the Irons overcome opponents Leeds United in the third round or not, the draw could take the Irons away from Noble’s native east London, rendering Sunday an historic and emotional day, not just for our respected captain, but in West Ham United’s 127-year history.
If we could win, it would be another fantastic memory and another really good moment for us this season
Mark Noble
“This competition has been important to me throughout my whole life,” he told Sunday’s Official Programme. “As a boy living in a house full of West Ham fans, I was told all the stories of how Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds lifted the FA Cup at Wembley, about Ronnie Boyce, Alan Taylor and Trevor Brooking scoring the winning goals and dreaming of one day playing for the Club in an FA Cup final.
“While I’ve not done that yet, I still have that dream and, who knows, maybe it can come true in my final season as a West Ham player!
“That would certainly be a memorable end to an unforgettable career, and a special moment not just for me but for everyone associated with our great Football Club.
“We’ve got a tough tie to win first, though, to get us moving down the road to Wembley. Leeds are a Premier League team with really good players and a great manager, so we’ll need to be at our best and give everything to beat them.
“If we could win, it would be another fantastic memory and another really good moment for us this season.”
Sunday’s tie will see another bumper crowd at London Stadium, with Season Ticket Holders, Claret Members and loyal supporters being joined by thousands of young fans and first-time visitors. With Kids For A Quid tickets still available, you can join them!
As someone who grew up sneaking into the Boleyn Ground to watch his beloved Hammers in action as a boy, Noble knows just how special the feeling is of attending a live football match.
“I am told there will be thousands of thousands of young fans here on Sunday and, whether you’re a Junior Season Ticket Holder or Claret Member, attending your first game at London Stadium, or are a young Leeds supporter cheering your team on, I hope you really enjoy the day,” he enthused.
“There is nothing better than going to the football with your family and friends, so give your team a cheer, join in the songs and have a fantastic time.
“We’ll do our very best to get through to the fourth round and I know the lads are determined to go on another long cup run.”