West Ham endured a slow start to life under Manuel Pellegrini but have found some consistency in recent weeks, securing three wins in a row.
Triumphs against Newcastle United, Cardiff City and Crystal Palace have sent the Hammers charging up the Premier League standings and has presented a solid platform for the club to build upon during the busy festive season that lies ahead.
Further activity in the market is expected in January but the east London side have moved swiftly to already conclude one piece of business, extending the contract of club captain Mark Noble until 2021 – activating a clause in his deal.
Noble has featured in 11 games this season for Pellegrini’s side, registering two assists, and his experience will prove to be vital to the younger players in the squad like Issa Diop, Grady Diangana and Declan Rice.
Fans on social media were delighted by the deal and we have gathered some of their comments below.
Deserved it! And now its time for @_DeclanRice
— East London Hammers (@EastHammers) December 12, 2018
For his loyalty and passion for us it’s the least the club can do.
— Jay Rudd (Hammer) (@JayRudd4) December 12, 2018
Great news, in a world in which football has become a business, ome gets to see a Hammer be a Hammer throughout his career. Loyalty is more than a virtue in football nowadays, remember that. COYI ⚒
— Alex Ramadan (@Acel_Alex) December 12, 2018
Deserved
— West Ham South West (@WHUSouthWest) December 12, 2018
Top man Mark
— Joe Ashley (@realjoeashley) December 12, 2018
Thank you @WestHamUtd for doing the right thing and enabling #MrWestHam to likely see his playing career out as a Hammer!! #COYI
— James Willson (@JamesWillson_) December 12, 2018
Previous article by Josh Challies
‘Different player he is’: Many West Ham fans heap praise as former outcast shines again