Kevin Nolan - I owe Hammers.

[Chelmo Hammer]

As the game on Saturday appeared to be slipping away from us I said that we really needed someone to get a grip of things and that we needed our captain to step up and lead by example - and he did just that. Exactly what we need in a captain, and as has been said before, his overall play and contribution has got better and better since he came back from suspension.

[BPRIGGSC]

I hated Nolan when he was at Bolton. Not as a player, but just because you knew they would win if he was playing. He's just a complete pain to play against. I can honestly say him being in the team has been a massive reason we have been promoted, and will give us a great chance of staying up. Hopefully by the time he retires, we will be a top 6 side and won't actually need him, tho I can't see it myself!

[thespider]

Compared to our last captain (Upson) and even Neill (who I rated as a captain), he blows them both out of the water. I'm so glad we're going into the Premiership with him in the squad.

[Officer Dibble]

I was sat right in front of his family in Club Wembley, plus loads of other Scousers in the seats just in front.

Nice bunch, they even joined in with Bubbles at the end. Thankfully I didn't hear any of our fans slagging him off during the match.

His kids can't play a tune on the horn thing that makes an irritating sound though.

[Iron-Fists]

Compared to our last captain (Upson) and even Neill (who I rated as a captain), he blows them both out of the water. I'm so glad we're going into the Premiership with him in the squad.

Totally agree with you there fella. Lucas Neill was okay, Matthew Upson was pants, but Kevin Nolan isn't just a great player, he is passionate, gets the fans behind the team and also fires up the opposition (which favours us). Will be massive for us next season.

[englebert]

I dont rate Nolan myself. Like a poorer version of Lampard.

Contributes little in the game apart from popping up with the odd goal. Always looks knackered to me.

Forces us into playing systems/formations that suit him which can hold other players back. I think him playing meant no places for Baldock, Maynard and Lansbury. He is guaranteed a place in our team because he is skipper.

The fact someone so slow and cumbersome still has four years left of a massive contract saddens me.

He appears to be an excellent captain though

[indiehammer]

I dont rate Nolan myself. Like a poorer version of Lampard.

Contributes little in the game apart from popping up with the odd goal. Always looks knackered to me.

The fact someone so slow and cumbersome still has four years left of a massive contract saddens me.

This is exactly what the Newcastle fans said about him but they were devestated to see him go.

[englebert]

This is exactly what the Newcastle fans said about him but they were devestated to see him go.

I bet they arent now

[Tonto]

love that comment .."snidey and annoying" so true as well

Think he means SCOUSE!

[BobbyWHU]

One of our best ever captains, like having a manager on the pitch.
I can see him perhaps scoring more goals next season as he will find more space with the teams actually coming out at us rather than sitting back.

As much I felt worried going into the big games, you can't help but feel confident with him leading us out with his professionalism.

[Adie64]

One of our best ever captains, like having a manager on the pitch.
I can see him perhaps scoring more goals next season as he will find more space with the teams actually coming out at us rather than sitting back.

As much I felt worried going into the big games, you can't help but feel confident with him leading us out with his professionalism.

Spot on Mate, very important to have a real Leader & Captain on the pitch. That's where we went wrong last time in the premiership with Upson as Captain.

[ironstu]

Superb!! I hope he reads this thread. The passion he shows is second to none, I think he holds us fans in a very high regard. Having just re-watched the game, his interview after said a lot about him. I for one would like to see him finish his career here, by getting us into Europe please Kev

Da da da da da da da, da da da da da da da KEVIN NOLAN!!

[Chicken Run Supreme]

As the season has progressed he has continued to go up in my estimation, especially since the sending off against Millw***. As others have said he is the sort of player you hate when he lines up for the opposition, but would love to have him on your side. He has scored some crucial goals all season and is a clear leader on the pitch and he is a winner and that rubs off on other players too.

[ParisTheHammer]

I personally thought the stick that Nolan has received this season has been harsh. Loyalty stands for alot in my book.. Players like Cole, Green, Noble etc deserve a **** ton of credit for not ****ing off when we went down. I suspect all three mentioned got offered deals on over £35,000 per week but thankfully decided to stay as they all including Nolan have put in phenomenal shifts in at times. Although I heard Nolan's salary is more in the region of 60k to 70k, but if he gives it 100% every match then he is worth it.

[chunkay]

I personally thought the stick that Nolan has received this season has been harsh. Loyalty stands for alot in my book.. Players like Cole, Green, Noble etc deserve a **** ton of credit for not ****ing off when we went down. I suspect all three mentioned got offered deals on over £35,000 per week but thankfully decided to stay as they all including Nolan have put in phenomenal shifts in at times. Although I heard Nolan's salary is more in the region of 60k to 70k, but if he gives it 100% every match then he is worth it.

He was offered 70k for two years at Newcastle, but took a lower contract at West Ham so he could have the stability of a 5 year deal. Therefore, he's making between zero and 69,999 pounds a week. I'd say probably 60k, but that number is pulled out of my arse.

[gunslinger]

Always rated Nolan although his best days are behind him, when was the last time we had a midfield payer who will score 10 goals + a season, furthermore westham forgot to book a hotel room for the kit man pre-final night and it was nolan who sorted it and paid for it this info came from another clubs kit man I know personally .

[Mr P]

I dont rate Nolan myself. Like a poorer version of Lampard.

Contributes little in the game apart from popping up with the odd goal. Always looks knackered to me.

Yeah, those 14 goals this season didn't help us at all did they?

And he was so knackered he made the run from the half way line to the edge of their box to supply the cross for the goal in the 87th minute.

Since his suspension he's been one of our most consistent performers

[bubbles1966]

That volley on Saturday was no fluke....like the one v leicester and the one v Derby......great technique....

And those goals come from intelligent positioning and sharp reactions.....

Much much better creatively and technically than he is often given credit for.

[Denbighammer]

I dont rate Nolan myself. Like a poorer version of Lampard.

You do realise West Ham are not pushing for the Champions League don't you? Being a 'poorer version' of one of the best attacking midfielders of the last 20 years is no disgrace and no more than we could expect surely?

I can't believe after such a good season, 14 goals (no pens) from midfield anyone would want to slag our skipper off? Extraordinary.

[englebert]

You do realise West Ham are not pushing for the Champions League don't you? Being a 'poorer version' of one of the best attacking midfielders of the last 20 years is no disgrace and no more than we could expect surely?

I can't believe after such a good season, 14 goals (no pens) from midfield anyone would want to slag our skipper off? Extraordinary.

I'm not trying to come over as being negative, he has a few good qualities, seems to have good organisational skills, intelligent on the pitch and there is no one in our squad I would prefer the ball to drop to in the box than him.
However I cant help but think if we were able to play Baldock or Maynard in a 442 alongside Cole then they would have got those 14 goals or more.
His presence means we cant play 442 which I favour. One up front in the championship is too negative for me.
In addition he is 30 soon and to have 4 years left on his deal I think will saddle us with a player who we wont need in 2 years time.

Hopefully I am wrong