My Tribute to Peter Noble

[ontario claret]

Happenings in recent days will have made this comment trivial in comparison, but here goes. Peter Noble was the first member of the Clarets whom I met back on that fateful day in 1978. To say that he made a strong impression on a wayward Canadian tourist would be an understatement. When he shook my hand, it was with genuine warmth. But my real impression was made when I saw him play against Newcastle United in 1979. He was literally everywhere. Filling the passing channels, making perfect lay-offs, and just being a continuous thorn in the side of the Magpies. Never the biggest or quickest player, but certainly the most effective Claret that night. When I came back the next year, he had already moved on to Blackpool, and I was genuinely sad. But when I heard that he had moved back to Burnley after the end of his career, I was elated. He could have chosen Swindon, Blackpool, or anywhere in the north-east, but he chose Burnley. I think that says it all. Burnley was where his heart lay. I had hoped to shake his hand one more time, just to say "Thank you", but it was not to be. Then I read that he had started his career with Consett FC. Consett was one of the places that I had gone through on the bus while looking for my family roots. It's definitely seen better days. But it kind of explained his immense work ethic. Peter simply "got it". He knew that if was to get ahead that he had to be the hardest worker on the side. I don't think that he ever forgot that until the day he died. Sleep well, Peter. I don't think that Burnley will ever completely see your likes again.

[RingoMcCartney]

A warm heartfelt tribute.

[Stevie2112]

Well written OC, a great tribute to a great man

[crundale]

Have to agree with all you said. Wonderful player.

[ontario claret]

Not just a wonderful player, a wonderful man.

[levraiclaret]

Well said Ontario.

[beeholeclaret]

Peter was a fantastic, inspirational player and as mentioned above a great bloke and character in the town over the last 40 odd years. He will be missed by so many. Great tribute OC.

[Claretmatt4]

When we got promotion in '09 I opted to have' McIlroy #8' on my home shirt that year as a tribute to our finest player from that title winning season. I'm only 26 so far too young to remember that team but felt it important to know your history, especially as a Burnley fan.

When Ian Britton passed away I was so gutted. I knew the story and the folklore and I'd seen the ball that he headed home in to one of the Bob Lord suites. So this season I got 'Britton #11' on my shirt as tribute to the scorer of our most important ever goal we'll ever score.

After reading about Peter and hearing stories from my dad about him, how he touched so many on and off the field, and reading post #1, there's no doubt I'll be getting 'Uwe' on my shirt next season.

What number did he wear most often?

RIP Peter Noble.

[Duffer_]

What number did he wear most often?

Number 4 (I think).

UTC!

[ontario claret]

Thanks Claretmatt4. Anything that I can pass on as a Claret supporter for nearly 50 years to the younger generation is really my goal. This club has seen some very difficult times, but somehow we've always circled the wagons when it mattered the most. Peter embodied that spirit. Somehow, I knew that I had met somebody special when I shook his hand. I wasn't wrong.

[ontario claret]

Peter. Noble in name. Noble in heart.

[Quickenthetempo]

I'm too young to remember him playing for Burnley but remember him for being the ex Burnley footballer selling trainers on the market. So I reckon a good tribute to him would be tieing two old trainers together and throwing them over the telephone wire on your front street, that would be associated with the 70s/80s.

[Bop]

Mostly 4. Good man ClaretMatt4. Nice idea. He was a top player & bloke.

[Claretmatt4]

Thanks for the replies. 4 it is!