What next for Kevin Nolan?

  • by Staff Writer
  • Friday, 12th June 2015

Kevin Nolan is almost certain to leave the Boleyn Ground this summer after four years as West Ham United's captain.

With his closest ally, former manager Sam Allardyce now departed following the conclusion of his most recent (two-year) contract, Nolan is likely to find himself out of the first team picture at the Boleyn.

Vice-captain Mark Noble, Cheik Kouyate, new arrival Pedro Obiang and potentially Alex Song, who the Hammers are seeking to sign on a permanent basis from Barcelona will all be above Nolan in the pecking order next season - notwithstanding any additional summer acquisitions.

And having become the latest scapegoat for some West Ham United fans last season, the former Bolton and Newcastle man is seeking one final move before calling time on a playing career that began at Bolton 18 years ago.

Acutely aware that he is unlikely to be able to shake off the ill-feeling his alliance with Allardyce generated amongst sections of the club's fanbase, Nolan has already indicated privately that he is looking to move on this summer.

Now 32, the attacking midfielder is entering the final 12 months of a lucrative five-year contract, signed in 2011 when the Hammers had just been relegated from the Premier League under Avram Grant.

Born in Liverpool, Nolan spent his entire professional career in the North (with Bolton and Newcastle) before joining Allardyce at West Ham in July 2011.

His £2.6million annual salary is likely to keep him out of reach of all but Premier League and major foreign clubs this summer - unless West Ham opt to cover a percentage of his wages as part of a loan agreement.

* Something to say about this story? Please visit the KUMB Forum to leave a comment.



More News