West Ham's Noble reveals he played through double family tragedy

The West Ham skipper has candidly opened up about the death of his two grandparents, which didn't stop him featuring in West Ham's close-fought 2-1 loss against United last week.

Noble revealed the news in his pre-game programme notes ahead of the Irons' clash with Leicester on Saturday. It is also the first time the two teams have met since the 1-1 draw in October which preceded the horrifying helicopter crash that killed Foxes owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and four others.

Noble said: 'As I said at the time we were all hurt and saddened by what happened that October evening.

'We heard about the incident just a few minutes after we had ourselves left the stadium in the team coach and the reaction was one of complete shock and silence.

'Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the families of those who died, along with everyone associated with Leicester City.

'Football comes way down the pecking order when tragedies like that occur and I must admit it has been a tough few weeks for me and my family too, as I have lost two of my grandparents.

'I lost my grandmother in the week leading up to the Everton game, then I lost my grandfather Lenny on the Friday morning before we played Manchester United.

'I wanted to play for them both at Old Trafford and just get out on the pitch because when you're out there you don't think about anything other than the game itself.

'To give the performance that we did, even though we didn't get any points, was a really nice tribute.'

Noble says he believes a 'new level of respect' has developed between the two clubs following the King Power Stadium tragedy.

Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini added: 'The football world showed its solidarity and togetherness following that devastating accident and everyone at Leicester deserves great respect for the strength and courage they have shown.'