David Noble (footballer, born 1982)


David James Noble is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for St Albans City.

Playing career

Club

Arsenal

Born in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, his career began as a trainee at Arsenal, with whom he won the FA Youth Cup in 2000 in a game where Noble won the man of the match. His first senior appearance was on loan at Watford in the 2001–02 season, during Gianluca Vialli's reign, where he scored once against Grimsby Town.

West Ham

In February 2003, Noble joined newly relegated West Ham United on a free transfer, signing a deal until the end of the 2003–04 season. He made his debut in a League Cup game against Rushden & Diamonds on 13 August 2003, playing the full 90 minutes of a 3–1 win, but found chances limited and made three League appearances as substitute in August and September.

Boston United

In February 2004, Noble was loaned for a month to Boston United. At the loan's end he signed with the club.

Bristol City

In January 2006, he moved to Bristol City for £80,000, after enjoying a successful loan spell there. On 13 February 2007, he scored against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup Fourth Round Replay. But his most important strikes were the two goals he scored against Rotherham on 5 May 2007 which took City back into the second-highest tier of English football being the Football League Championship.
Noble also scored in the Championship play-off semi-final against Crystal Palace, when his stoppage time strike from 30 yards gave Bristol City the advantage going into the second leg.

Yeovil Town

He joined Yeovil Town on loan from Bristol City on 25 March 2009, before being released on 31 May 2009.

Exeter City

On 4 January 2010, Noble signed for League One side Exeter City. He signed a new one-year contract with Exeter City in June 2011. Noble went on to be named as the club's captain for the 2010–11 season.
In May 2012, Noble was released by Exeter after the club was relegated.

Rotherham United

Noble signed for Rotherham United on 13 July 2012. He was taken on loan in the summer of 2013 to Cheltenham Town.

Oldham Athletic

On 12 September 2014, Noble joined Exeter City on loan from Oldham Athletic. He had re-joined Oldham Athletic after having his contract terminated a few weeks beforehand and went immediately out on loan.

Return to Exeter City

Noble returned to his former club Exeter City in January 2015. He had previously made 12 appearances for the Grecians whilst on loan with the club for the first half of the 2014–15 season. Noble's contract at St James Park expired in the summer of 2016 making him a free agent.

St Albans City

On 28 August 2016, Noble joined St Albans City of the National League South. Noble signed an 18-month contract with the Saints in December 2016 and in March 2017 became the club captain. In November 2017, he also became a coach at the club.

International

Noble played in a Scotland future team match against Turkey B on 25 February 2003.

Career statistics

Honours

Arsenal
Bristol City
Rotherham United