Boleyn Boy: My Autobiography

by Mark Noble

*THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER* This is the remarkable story of a local lad who grew up in the shadow of Upton Park and became ‘Mr West Ham’: a one-club man who lived the dream. A modern footballing legend, Mark Noble is the embodiment of what it means to be a Hammer, pouring his heart and soul into the club he supported as a boy. Born and raised in Canning Town, Mark joined the West Ham youth squad in 2000 and made his senior-team debut aged just 17. Now, after over 20 years, with a wealth of memories and more than 500 appearances for his boyhood club under his belt, Mark finally looks back at his remarkable career, reflecting on his journey from boot boy to club captain, bossing the midfield, scoring pressure penalties and becoming an inspirational figurehead on and off the pitch. This is the story of a brilliant footballer, a genuine ambassador and a local legend. This is the unforgettable autobiography of Mark Noble. Mark Noble's book 'Boleyn Boy' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 07-11-2022.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook

320 pages, Hardcover

Published April 25, 2023

About the author

1754-1827

Reviews

[Sam Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irons

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

easy going football autobiography nothing really fancy though

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read for a West Ham fan. Surprisingly nice writing style. Hugely enjoyable.

[Alan Coll-Peacock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a 40 year old Hammers fan I've seen Mark Nobles West Ham career from start to finish, so this was always going to be a book I was going to read and enjoy doing so. It's a footballer's autobiography, so you're not getting anything too taxing, it's an easy read that rolls back the years as a supporter and I doubt that there's a Hammers fan out there who won't read this at some point. Noble is West Ham born and bred, his love for the club is just as high as that of us fans, and that shines through in his story here. Yeah some may say that a 5 star rating is a bit much, but for a West Ham fan such as myself who's seen Nobes grow and succeed for the Hammers over the years, this is perfect. Come on you irons!!!

[Dan Lovelady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Mark, top player and person. Will never forget his 15-16 campaign, even Spurs fans were saying he should be in the England squad. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be but this book reminded me what an incredible career he had at West Ham and what a great example he is to young players.

[Jack Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating and well-written story in nice chronological order, Noble presents a rare insight into the human-element behind both his own path, and top-level football as a whole. Must-read for any West Ham fan.

[Joe Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read. Top bloke.

[Jamie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really well written. You don't want to put it down, as there's always something going on at West Ham, and Mark Noe for so many years had a front row seat.

[Max Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love mark noble

[Jamie Seagrave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Noble Club Legend - Must read for any West Ham fan ⚒

[Alex Sandom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating insight into the career of one of my favourite footballers of all time.

Must read for any West Ham fan.

[Ali Devine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, a true west ham lad through and through

[Visar Cerkini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. West Ham

[Sean Shee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only really of interest to a West Ham supporter, and if you're a keen West Ham supporter you'd learn very little from reading this. Very little real insight, certainly nothing said that could be deemed controversial and holding anyone to task. Simply a play by play account of the games Mark Noble played in, a surface level account of how his managers managed and their personalities and the odd description of Snods shitting on the floor as dressing room banter.

Shame, as he's been there and done it for West Ham but maybe it's that commitment to West Ham that holds back this book from offering anything particularly interesting for West Ham and Mark Noble fanatics.

Still, it doesn't take away from what he has given us on the pitch. IRONS.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Mark Noble's book and as a result just couldn't put it down. In fact, its one of the quickest times I've read a book since I was very young as this book really pulled me in. I've always admired Noble for being with the club he truly loves and not moving when he's been offered more money like so many other footballers do. I can't express how much I enjoyed this book. It was interesting, funny and told a wonderful story. This is a truly great read, especially for fans of West Ham or of the players that played in the same team as him.

[Johnboy Somerville · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a West Ham fan, but have followed Mark's career and thought he was nothing but a consummate professional and an old school midfielder that "got the job done".
In that respect, this book showcases that: no flashy revelations, no extravagant spending, just an honest depiction of an honest man and player.

[Cockneylen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting for a West Ham fan, but not full of humorous anecdotes or incidents that the manager wouldn't want to hear about. Guess it's testimony to the dedication of Mark to ensure he made it in a very tough world.

[Sam O'Donnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable if a but surface level read about a certified club legend. You get a good sense about Nobles character, and there's some interesting insights to his career - just not a whole lot. Good read if you're a Hammer, can't imagine non fans would get a whole lot from it though.

[Mikeeee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book if you’re a West Ham fan who’s followed Noble’s career, sort of just an play by play account of the memorable games in each season. Not much in the sense of additional info/gossip or behind the scenes stuff.

[Phil McGregor · Rating 4 out of 5]

+ Easy read
+ Some funny stories

- Lacks a bit of honesty; considering West Ham's struggles over the years, and Noble's love of the club... he doesn't really call out enough players who didn't give their all.

[T Guy · Rating 3 out of 5]

One man, one club

[David Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

7.1/10

[Chris Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A literary marvel

[Trevor Twohig · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a bloody hero. The ending nearly made me cry. That said this is not insightful as a book at all it's like a skim over nobles career really.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great player and West Ham legend but considering his lengthy career it’s a pretty dull read. And I’m a hammers fan!!

[John Rowland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook

[Jacob Hackett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting insight into Mark Noble’s career, with some brilliant anecdotes from his time at West Ham. A really easy read, would recommend.

[O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too much cursing even for WH fan from East London

[Gearoid Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight into the career of one of my favourite west ham players the great Mark Noble

[mia🦇 · Rating 4 out of 5]

haven’t actually read this but my bf made me rate it 4 stars